Current problems in hypertension and nephrology

The aim of this issue of Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy is to present the most important and controversial problems in hypertension and nephrology. To this end, the most important points of the current (2009) recommendations of the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) are discussed, including aspects related to the treatment of hypertension - the role of beta-blockers, combined therapy with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) the treatment of hypertension in elderly patients, and role of destiffening therapy. The authors also present current recommendations for the management of dyslipidemia in hypertensive and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, and new strategies to prevent cardiovascular risk in CKD patients, the optimal level of blood pressure in patients with hypertensive nephropathy and which hypotensive drugs are the most nephroprotective. The Editors are aware that many other important problems have not been addressed in this issue of the journal; however, they hope the readers find it interesting and useful.