HYPERTENSION - NOT SOLELY A BLOOD-PRESSURE PROBLEM

Many factors must be considered when prescribing a particular treatmen t regimen for patients with hypertensive and vascular disease. Among t hem are desired reduction of blood pressure; effect on target-organ di sease; control of risk factors for premature fatal and nonfatal cardio vascular, cerebrovascular, and renovascular events; adverse reactions; cost-effectiveness; and cost-benefit ratio. The newer classes of anti hypertensive agents (ie, calcium antagonists and angiotensin-convertin g enzyme inhibitors) in conjunction with nitric oxide donors and lipid -lowering agents are an important addition to treatment regimens.