Hypertension: Setting new goals for lower readings - Part one of a roundtable discussion

Mean systolic; blood pressures increase and mean diastolic pressures decrea se with aging, primarily in response to the stiffening of blood vessels. Th ese trends are related to the interplay of genetic factors that control ren al, vascular, and hormonal functions. The prevalence of hypertension and th e rate of blood pressure control vary among population groups; only one-fou rth (24%) of all Americans with hypertension are controlled. Some persisten t myths:about: hypertension may interfere with its diagnosis and treatment, Other barriers to control appear to be:the side effects and cost of medica tions. Control rates improve when physicians increase their emphasis on pat ient education.