[Usefulness of early-stage intervention in mild hypertension: evidence from large-scale clinical trials].

Mild hypertension(stage 1 hypertension at ESC-ESH guideline 2007) defined as systolic blood pressure 140-159 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure 90-99 mmHg has been described as an established risk factor for cardiovascular events in guidelines on hypertension. Many trials have established the usefulness of treatment to moderate and severe hypertension with blood pressure levels of 160/100 or more. Some recent trials including patients with mild hypertension have also shown that antihypertensive treatment significantly reduced the risk of cardiovascular events, especially in patients with history of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. However, more studies are required to clarify the most appropriate antihypertensive drugs for the treatment of mild hypertension.