Hypertension in the Young and the Old

Abstract

This book brings together current data relating to the epidemiology and characteristics of hypertension in children and in the elderly. The concept that an individual has a genetically determined mean blood pressure is strengthened by the studies presented in the book. The environmental factors of stress and a high sodium intake are shown to result in exaggerated pressor responses in the person who is genetically predisposed to hypertension. The development of vascular structure change in the hypertensive person and the resultant establishment of sustained hypertension is discussed. The portion of the book that deals with experimental hypertension in animals does not fit into the general theme and detracts from the overall impact of the important message that this book delivers. The synthesis in the book of epidemiology and the natural history of hypertension from infancy to old age is a valuable contribution.