Guidelines of the Spanish Society of Cardiology on high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a well-known cardiovascular risk factor that is resp onsible for an elevated morbidity and mortality. However, although efficaci ous drugs for treatment and numerous and updated scientific training progra ms are available, the reality is that only a low percentage of patients are followed up in accordance with the rates which are presently considered no rmal. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide medical guidance for th e prevention, detection and evaluation of hypertension, and to provide the best diagnosis and treatment. The factors involved in cardiovascular compli cations in the hypertensive patient are multiple. That is why this report p laces more emphasis in the individual cardiovascular risk stratification as part of the treatment strategy. The information obtained in the most recen t studies published confirms the interest in achieving the greatest decreas e in rates of blood pressure. This treatment to lower levels is especially useful in the high-risk subgroup. It maintains the necessity of nonpharmaco logical measures or lifestyle modifications in all patients with high blood pressure who either need or do not need drug therapy. AII pharmacological groups may be used, but it is appropriate to choose the specific antihypert ensive agent adapted to the clinical and individual situation with the use of low doses of drugs to initiate therapy and the use of appropriate drug c ombinations.