Current status of treatment of severe hypertension.

Drug fashions have changed and older drugs have given place to others with less side effects. Drugs and combinations of drugs administered to 100 patients currently under treatment at a clinic for severe hypertensives are listed. The most popular drugs were thiazide diuretics, methyldopa, beta-adrenergic blocking drugs, clinidine and hydrallazine. A thiazide diuretic was a constant member of the drug combinations. About 60% of patients achieved "good" blood pressure control (diastolic blood pressure less than or equal to 100 mm Hg), 30% "fair" (diastolic blood pressure=100 to 110 mm Hg) and 10+ "poor" (diastolic blood pressure greater than 110 mm Hg). Similar proportions were in "good", "fair" and "poor" general health. The best prospect for improved management of hypertension probably lies in earlier treatment with current drug combinations.