Hypertension Care: It’s Time to Act

The satellite symposium was held in two separate sessions – the first a traditional symposium format, and the second as an interactive panel discussion in which the faculty answered questions from the delegates. The symposium objectives included consideration of the impact of suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control on the high levels of cardiovascular (CV) events in Europe; evaluation of the importance of patient adherence in improving management of BP; consideration of the management of treatment-resistant patients; discussion of a new initiative to drive improved management of hypertension; and how angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)-based treatments and single-pill combinations may be used to treat hypertensive patients. Professor Burnier discussed the difficulties associated with achieving good BP control in the primary care setting and highlighted the utility of single-pill fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) for improving adherence and BP normalisation. Professor Ruilope discussed the clinical work-up and management of patients with treatment-resistant hypertension, while Professors Schmieder and Weiss outlined some initiatives taking place that aim to improve BP control rates. Finally, Professor Volpe described an ARB-based treatment platform which shows how patients can be effectively treated with single-pill combination therapy.