Hypertension: an update.

Current advances in hypertension are examined from the perspectives of both the individual patient and the community at large. Great progress has been made in the control of hypertension using a multipronged approach beginning with public and professional education. The recent nationwide fall in cardiovascular mortality is due at least in part to progress in hypertension control. There remain, however, segments of our population that are hard to reach and will continue to require community screening and special treatment programs. Governmental budgeting restraints should not be permitted to jeopardize our highly successful hypertension control and research programs.