The Challenge of Controlling Resistant Hypertension

Hypertension is the main risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, disability and death. Despite the accumulated knowledge about hypertension and many treatment options, some hypertensive patients do not achieve the recommended blood pressure goals even receiving non-pharmacological treatment and three antihypertensive drugs. These individuals have the so-called “resistant hypertension” and are at increased risk of involvement of target organs, higher morbidity and mortality.

Several international scientific societies, including the Brazilian Society of Cardiology, have dedicated to publishing evidence-based guidelines for the management of arterial hypertension,^, and specific position statements on resistant hypertension have also been produced.^, The Department of Hypertension of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology is about to issue an updated statement on the subject.

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