Essential hypertension: when and how to initiate treatment.

One of the most common problems family physicians encounter is also one of the most difficult to define clearly. The authors consider an epidemiologic approach to the definition of essential hypertension and review the recommendations for the accurate recording of human blood pressure measurements. The authors evaluate evidence for the treatment of essential hypertension. Both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment of hypertension are considered, emphasizing an individualized, stepped-care approach to management.