Epidemiology of comorbidities in patients with hypertension.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Hypertension affects an enormous number of people and uncommonly presents in isolation. This review aims to summarize contemporary data that is relevant to the epidemiology of specific comorbidities occurring frequently in individuals with hypertension.

RECENT FINDINGS: Hypertension is invariably diagnosed along with multiple comorbidities, particularly diabetes mellitus, obesity, chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Evidence pertinent to prevalence, incidence, and temporal trends is reported, with an emphasis on differences according to age, gender, and race/ethnicity.

SUMMARY: The clustering of these conditions requires a thorough-and often multidisciplinary-approach in the evaluation and management of individuals with hypertension. Populations with higher risk include the elderly, women, and racial/ethnic groups.