Mild hypertension

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Clear evidence shows that lowering blood pressure in severe hypertension through drug therapy reduces major cardiovascular event incidence. Recent studies indicate that this benefit may also apply to patients with mild to moderate hypertension. However, the potential advantages of medications can be countered by adverse effects, such as increased impotence and metabolic disorders associated with thiazide diuretics. This highlights the need for further exploration of treatment options for mild to moderate hypertension. An ideal drug would target the mechanisms causing elevated blood pressure, prevent counter-regulatory responses, and have minimal side effects, particularly important for younger patients. These considerations were discussed at the symposium “Mild Hypertension: Current Controversies and New Approaches,” held in Titisee, West Germany, from October 13-15, 1983. The symposium began with an overview of neural and hormonal blood pressure regulation in healthy individuals, followed by an examination of the pathophysiological mechanisms in hypertensive patients. Special emphasis was placed on the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system activity, which may offer new avenues for therapeutic intervention in clinical hypertension. The current management strategies for mild to moderate hypertension were also reviewed.