Early diagnosis saves lives: focus on patients with hypertension

Kidney Int Suppl (2011). 2013 Dec;3(4):332-334. doi: 10.1038/kisup.2013.69.

Abstract

It is estimated that one out of three adults has hypertension and that more than 50% of them are unaware of this condition. Blood pressure screening can facilitate early diagnosis and reduce the risk of further complications associated with hypertension. However, disagreement between credible guidelines on major topics like diagnosis of hypertension and the threshold blood pressure values for treatment initiations caused confusion and inaction among physicians.

Keywords: early diagnosis; guidelines; hypertension; screening.