[Hypertension and coronary heart disease. Global risk moderation through control of body weight].

The moderation control of blood pressure is one key strategy to control the progression of coronary artery disease. In the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, hypertension should not be viewed on its own; however, other risk factors, which may influence hypertension and atherogenesis at the same time, should be evaluated carefully. In primary and also secondary prevention of coronary artery disease, overweight and obesity play an important modulating role. Especially the abdominal (visceral) form of obesity should be controlled. The reduction of dietary fat intake seems to be the major strategy to control body fat accumulation and weight gain, since the intake of excess fat does not lead to an increased oxidation of fat. The reduction of fat intake is also the major nonpharmacological strategy to promote regression of atherosclerosis and to control body weight.