Top 10 landmark studies in hypertension

The field of hypertension has evolved considerably over the last 70 years, from a belief that elevated blood pressure was an inevitable consequence of aging and beneficial, to maintaining perfusion to overwhelming proof of the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with elevated blood pressure. The authors reviewed the literature on hypertension and selected 10 studies pivotal in changing physicians’ attitudes regarding the management, treatment, and outcomes of hypertensive patients. Four studies cover treatment initiation and blood pressure goals, two studies compare pharmacologic antihypertensive agents, and the final four address the approach to blood pressure control in special populations (diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease). The authors readily acknowledge the many other contributions to the field of hypertension not profiled here.