Outcome of blood pressure control.

Elevated blood pressure (hypertension) is associated with increased risk for several complications, and the risk is gradually increasing from the lowest to the highest blood pressure levels. Elevated blood pressure is associated with metabolic and other abnormalities which are not affected by antihypertensive treatment. The majority of cardiovascular complications are found among individuals with only moderately elevated blood pressure levels. The antihypertensive treatment principles of today are effective against stroke but considerably less so against coronary heart disease complications. A programme launched by WHO Europe has measured the awareness of hypertension in various communities, the adequacy of care, the patients' satisfaction with the care, physicians' knowledge and attitudes and the utilization of hypotensive drugs. The impact of antihypertensive treatment on stroke and coronary heart disease, which latter are the most common, is reviewed. Quality of life effects of blood pressure treatment as well as some economic aspects are discussed.