Hypertension

I. Background and Historical Aspects: A History of Clinical Hypertension from 1827-1970. Epidemiology of Hypertension. II. Pathophysiology:Pathophysiology of Hypertension. Genetics. Sympathetic Nervous System. Environmental and Psychosocial Stress in Hypertension Onset & Progression. Renin and Prorenin. Angiotensinogen. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme: Basic Properties, Distribution and Functional Role. The AT1 and AT2 Angiotensin. Prognostic Implications of Renin Status. Metabolic Abnormalities in Hypertension. Obesity Related Hypertension as a Metabolic Disorder. Primary Arterial Pathology. Arterial Stiffness. Endothelin. Nitric Oxide in Hypertension. Natriuretic Peptides. Eicosanoids. Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide and Hypertension. Kallikrein-Kinin System. Diet-Nutrition. Diet-Micronutrients. Obesity Hypertension: Effects on the Cardiovascular and Renal Systems in the Therapeutic Approach. Alcohol and Hypertension. III. Target Organ Damage/ Cardiovascular Complications: Total Risk. New Interpretations of Blood Pressure: Importance of Pulse Pressure. Coronary Atherosclerotic Sequelae of Hypertension. LVH-CHF. Stroke and Hypertension. End Stage Renal Disease. IV. Diagnosis: Initial Evaluation and Follow-up. Measurement Issues. White Coat Hypertension. V. Treatment General Considerations: Evidence-based Medicine. Outcomes in Treating Hypertension. Benefits of Treating Hypertension: Lessons From Clinical Trials. Ongoing Clinical Trials: An Overview. Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering to Prevent Heart Attack Trial. LIFE. Changing Approaches to Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertension (JNC 6). Critical Assessment of Hypertension Guidelines. Current Prescribing Practices. The Calcium Channel Blocker Controversy. Justifications for Treating Mild Hypertension (Surrogate Endpoints). Cost Effectiveness of Antihypertensive Therapy in a Managed Care Setting. Nurse Clinics. Community Outreach. Medication Compliance. for Antihypertensive Therapy. VI. Life Style Modification: Diet Micronutrients/Special Foods. Diet