Resistant hypertension. Introduction and definitions.

The following definition of resistant hypertension is proposed: Provided that adherence to the regimen can be assured, hypertension should be considered resistant if the blood pressure cannot be reduced to less than 150/100 mm Hg by a rational triple drug regimen, including a diuretic, prescribed in nearly maximal doses and if the pretreatment blood pressure was greater than or equal to 180/115 mm Hg. If the pretreatment blood pressure was less than 180/115 mm Hg, resistance should be defined as failure to achieve normotension (less than 140/90 mm Hg) on a rational triple drug regimen in nearly maximal doses.