Current controversies in the treatment of hypertension.

Three controversies in the treatment of hypertension are reviewed. The first involves the decision whether to treat mild hypertension. Little consensus currently exists in this area and recent trial evidence is reviewed. Second, the basis of choosing specific drugs is discussed; biochemical profiling has not been overly successful, but demographic profiling and benefit profiling are to be commended. Third, the salt controversy is reviewed. On a population basis, lowering salt intake may be beneficial.