Abstract

The seventh volume in this series provides critical appraisal of the developments seen over the last year. Contributors address fundamental questions about how blood pressure should be measured, and evaluate the arguments for and against new techniques such as peripheral augmentation index, pulse wave velocity, carotid intima media thickness, and assessment of central aortic pressure. Basic science is also covered, with the latest thinking on biomarkers ion transport channels, and genetics. Other chapters review the interrelationships between hypertension and other conditions; in pregnancy, with diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, and in sleep apnoea, and also the growing importance of monitoring other target organs, including the eye and the brain, with an analysis of the effects of antihypertensive therapy on cognition in the older patient and potential applications in the treatment of stroke. Most importantly, this volume incorporates analyses of all of the recent trials and provides insights into emerging therapeutic combinations, as well as reviewing the latest guidelines for lifestyle and diet.