ABSTRACT
The World Health Organization has ranked hypertension as the most important cause of death worldwide. The vast majority of patients with hypertension are diagnosed, treated and monitored within primary care. Hypertension-induced kidney damage is shown by reduced renal function and/or increased excretion of albumin. The risk of an individual developing cardiovascular disease depends on the level of the blood pressure and coexisting risk factors. Blood pressure is a very labile haemodynamic parameter that varies with each heart beat, hour of the day, season of the year, activity and position of the individual. All patients should have a global or total cardiovascular risk estimation based on their risk profile, organ damage and disease. The risk should be categorised as low, moderate, high or very high. The decision to start treatment for hypertension depends on the blood pressure level and the patient's total cardiovascular risk. Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin II receptor antagonists are recommended for treating hypertension in patients with metabolic syndrome.
