Secondary Hypertension (eBook)

This book offers an overview of the latest advances in the epidemiological, pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of secondary hypertension, provided by a group of the most highly respected European experts in this field. It is common belief that secondary forms of hypertension are rare, although in 95% of patients the cause of high blood pressure is unknown - euphemistically referred to as 'essential'. There is increasing evidence from epidemiological studies that the prevalence of secondary hypertension is much higher than previously thought, accounting for 20%-25% of all hypertensive patients. There are additional, very good reasons for identifying those patients with secondary hypertension: firstly, they are exposed to a greater risk of suffering major cardiovascular events than patients with essential hypertension who have the same blood pressure level, and for this reason require particular care. Secondly, these patients can be relieved of a lifetime of pharmacological therapy or, at least, have a chance to be treated with more specific and effective medications. A high degree of clinical skill is required to recognize the often vague and subtle symptoms and signs that characterize patients with secondary hypertension, and clinicians need to fully comprehend the mechanisms responsible for the development and maintenance of high blood pressure. Shedding new light on a complex area of cardiovascular medicine, the book enables readers to better treat affected patients.

Alberto Morganti joined Professor Alberto Zanchetti's group at the Policlinico Hospital in Milan after his degree, and was was introduced to the pathophysiological and clinical aspects of hypertension. He then spent two years working as a research associate and clinical fellow at the Cardiovascular Hypertension Center-Cornell University Medical College in New York Hospital under the guidance of professor John Laragh, and upon his return to Milan he became responsible of the radioimmunoassay laboratory in his original institution, where he conducted several multicenter international studies on the methodological aspects of renin measurements. He has since expanded his research interests to include secondary forms of hypertension and, in particular, to the diagnosis and treatment of renovascular hypertension. Professor Morganti was director of the Hypertension Center at the San Paolo Hospital and San Giuseppe Hospital. Moreover he served as treasurer of the International Society of Hypertension from 2000 to 2008 and as president of the Italian Society of Hypertension from 2009 to 2011.