[Stratification of global cardiovascular risk according to the ESH/ESC guidelines].

For any given level of blood pressure, cardiovascular risk may differ importantly between hypertensive patients, depending on the presence of other cardiovascular risk factors in addition to high blood pressure, of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, target organ damage or established cardiovascular or renal diseases. Taking into account global cardiovascular risk in decision making allows the identification of patients who will more likely benefit from lifestyle changes and, whenever necessary, from blood pressure lowering drugs.