Introduction to the Satellite Symposium
Hypertension is an undisputed risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) and renal disease morbidity and mortality, with premature deaths from blood pressure (BP)-related disease approaching 8 million annually and approximately 50% of stroke and ischaemic heart disease attributable to high BP. While levels of awareness and treatment of hypertension have improved, BP control rates among treated hypertensive patients remain disturbingly low and hence there is a need for new treatment approaches to improve BP goals rates and to reduce cardio-renal risk.

Targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is central to reducing and controlling hypertension. Furthermore, the RAAS plays a significant role in the pathological processes involved in the initiation and progression of CV and renal disease, with angiotensin II playing a central role at all stages of the cardio-renal continuum.

During this symposium we will discuss the importance of effective angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor blockade with angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for reducing BP and cardio-renal risk. In addition, we will learn how combination therapy with an ARB and a calcium channel blocker can be used to improve BP control in challenging patients.

That there is a crisis in hypertension management is clear. Urgent action is required, and our symposium will provide evidence-based strategies towards answering the call to action.