Abstract
Arterial hypertension is the most important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Arterial hypertension is diagnosed when reproducible office resting blood pressure values are 140 mm Hg or more systolic and/or 90 mm Hg or more diastolic. A recent alternative is to base the diagnosis of hypertension on ambulatory 24 h blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and/or home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) if feasible. Nonpharmacological and pharmacological strategies of blood pressure management are available. Treatment decisions should involve a shared decision-making process and pharmacological agents as well as lifestyle recommendations should be tailored to the needs and comorbidities of each individual patient in a personalized approach. The target values depend on age and comorbidities. Despite clear recommendations as depicted in pertinent guidelines, blood pressure control remains inadequate in the majority of hypertensive patients. The continuous improvement of perception, diagnostics and treatment thus remain high priorities in healthcare systems worldwide. The aim of this CME article is to provide a perspective on recent developments in the management of arterial hypertension.
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