Top Ten Breakthroughs in Clinical Hypertension Research in 2022

Abstract

Hypertension is a major global public health concern whose disease burden affects an estimated 1.4 billion people worldwide and is associated with 10.8 million deaths annually. Despite substantial advances in medical care, the prevalence of hypertension has markedly increased, owing to population aging; poor treatment adherence; and increases in risk factors, such as excessive salt intake, and overweight and obesity. Consequently, the disability-adjusted life years have increased by 40%, primarily because of elevated risk of stroke, coronary atherosclerosis, heart failure, and kidney failure. Major outstanding problems associated with the treatment and management of hypertension include determining optimal blood pressure targets, developing innovative antihypertensive medications and devices, and implementing effective and feasible hypertension management strategies. To address these challenges, numerous clinical trials are currently underway. This article highlights the most influential ten clinical studies on hypertension in 2022. The rational use of antihypertensive medications is concluded to be important for effective hypertension management. Important considerations include medication types and dosing times; optimal blood pressure targets; the development of new drugs and therapeutic devices; specific community characteristics, such as village doctor-led care; and healthful diets.