Primary hypertension: the role of individualized therapy.

Approximately 50 million persons in the United States either have elevated blood pressure or take antihypertensive medication. Many other persons have risk factors predisposing them to hypertension. Current therapy for hypertension consists of lifestyle modification and pharmacologic regimens. Sodium restriction, weight loss, aerobic exercise and alcohol moderation form the foundation of hypertension management. Pharmacologic therapy is individualized within established guidelines. Several classes of drugs are effective in lowering blood pressure. The patient's personal characteristics, the presence of concomitant disease, and the physiologic side effects and cost of medications are factors to consider in the process of selecting a drug regimen. Successful management of hypertension is personally rewarding and decreases mortality, morbidity and the cost of medical care.