Drug treatment of hypertension: the reduction of pulse pressure does not necessarily parallel that of systolic and diastolic blood pressure

Drug treatment of hypertension reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressur e according to a well-established dose-response curve. Whether there is a p arallel decrease in mean blood pressure and pulse pressure has not been inv estigated in the past. Recent analysis of the literature and personal work indicates that, during drug treatment of hypertension, a significant decrea se in systolic and diastolic blood pressure may be associated with an uncha nged pulse pressure, a situation that might contribute to maintaining cardi ovascular risk. J Hypertens 2000, 18:1159-1163 (C) Lippincott Williams & Wi lkins.