Chapter 3. Principles of treatment

摘要

The objectives of antihypertensive treatment are to prevent the occurrence/progression/recurrence of cardiovascular disease related to sustained high blood pressure, reduce mortality and help patients with hypertension lead their lives as normally as do healthy people. According to a meta-analysis of previous clinical studies, a 10-mmHg decrease in systolic blood pressure and a 5-mmHg decrease in diastolic blood pressure reduce the risks of stroke and coronary artery disease by ~40 (33-48%) and 20% (17-27%), respectively.In patients with a higher blood pressure level or at a more advanced age, antihypertensive drug therapy more markedly reduces these risks. An analysis of the results of a study involving patients with systolic hypertension also showed that a 10-mm Hg decrease in systolic blood pressure reduced the risk of stroke by 30% or more and that of coronary artery disease by 20% or more.