[Can arterial hypertension be prevented?].

Prevalence of arterial hypertension is growing, in particular due to population ageing. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Prevention is conceivable on a theoretical basis by reduction or, if possible, prevention of excess weight, diet modifications, increased physical activity among other means. To be efficient, prevention should include an early detection of patients at risk and a long term assessment of efficacy requiring many efforts from both patients and physicians.