ABSTRACT
Before any diagnostic evaluation begins, it is essential that the appropriate diagnosis is established. The initial diagnostic approach must have five major objectives: (i) establish whether hypertension is sustained and would benefit from treatment; (ii) identify or rule out secondary forms of hypertension; (iii) determine the presence of other risk factors for cardiovascular disease; (iv) detect target organ damage and to identify coexisting disease; and (v) identify factors that may contribute to or exacerbate hypertension.
