[Arterial hypertension in 2025: what's new for primary care physicians?]

Abstract

Hypertension is the most important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor. Its prevalence increases with age, and it affects approximately one in three adults, 50% of whom are undiagnosed. Moreover, only half of diagnosed patients receive drug treatment. Of those, half achieve the recommended blood pressure targets. Hypertension is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality, particularly due to its cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and renal complications. The role of the primary care physician is central in the screening, primary and secondary prevention, treatment initiation, and overall management of hypertensive patients. This article aims to assist primary care physicians by summarizing the main changes and new developments resulting from the latest European guidelines.