Hypertension studies in the Soviet Union.

Arterial hypertension control trials conducted during the last decade in the Soviet Union are reviewed. Epidemiologic data illustrating a considerable prevalence of arterial hypertension in various regions are presented. The results of population hypertension control programs are discussed, and the feasibility of reducing total mortality in the intervention vs reference groups at the community level is demonstrated, with the mortality and morbidity due to stroke showing a two-fold decrease. An outline is given of the major approaches used in population programs started in recent years, which are geared at improving drug and nondrug prevention and altering approaches to hypertension control in public health care.