The Next Five Years

Hypertension is both a disease and a risk factor. Long-term research objectives are to understand blood pressure homeostasis and the pathogeneses of the various forms of hypertension. Short-term research objectives center around enhancing methods for detection, evaluation, treatment, and control of high blood pressure because, even in the absence of precise knowledge of the etiology of hypertension, its control results in substantial reductions in morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a multifaceted national research strategy has been developed that includes basic science, applied research, clinical research, clinical trials, and demonstration and education research approaches. Complementing this research strategy is a congressionally mandated program to facilitate the application of the products of research to the clinical care setting by promoting educational activities aimed at health care providers, patients, and consumers. {Hypertension 1990;15(suppl I):I-25-I-28)