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Resistant Hypertension: An Incurable Disease or Just a Challenge For Our Medical Skill?

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Abstract

Resistant hypertension is classically defined as a clinical condition in which target blood pressure values of 140/90 mmHg are not achieved despite an optimal pharmacological therapy of at least three antihypertensive drugs, including a diuretic. The aim of this review is to give an outline of the nosography of this disorder, highlighting the differences between true and apparent resistant hypertension. Since the proportions of patients who can be defined as resistant to antihypertensive treatment is elevated, this distinction is mandatory in order to identify only those who need special clinical attention and, possibly, newer non-traditional techniques. While at first glance resistant hypertension may appear as an insuperable problem, an accurate clinical work-up of these patients, aimed at excluding reversible causes and optimizing pharmacological treatment, represents an effective solution in most cases.

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  1. Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126, Pisa, Italy

    Marina Di Pilla, Rosa Maria Bruno & Stefano Taddei

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  1. Marina Di Pilla
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Di Pilla, M., Bruno, R.M. & Taddei, S. Resistant Hypertension: An Incurable Disease or Just a Challenge For Our Medical Skill?. High Blood Press Cardiovasc Prev 23, 347–353 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40292-016-0159-y

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