From hypertension to heart failure: what have we learned?

Hypertension is associated with an increased risk for heart failure, stroke, and end-stage renal disease. The mechanisms involved in progression from hypertension to heart failure have been the focus of many recent studies. In addition, we have learned much from epidemiologic studies that have helped identify risk factors for hypertension and have thus provided insight into mechanisms that are involved in the pathogenesis of this disease. This paper will consider the epidemiology of both hypertension and heart failure and their relationship with left ventricular hypertrophy. In addition, results of recent clinical trials of antihypertensive agents will be reviewed.