[Blood pressure control in good hands with the general practicioner?].

According to a recent study regarding the management of hypertension in general practice, no therapeutic action was taken during follow-up in 87% of the selected population with uncontrolled hypertension (n = 6400). Older age, lower systolic, diastolic and near-target systolic blood pressure, as well as diabetes were positively associated with therapeutic inertia. This commentary questions whether the observed inertia in fact is appropriate inaction following conscious shared decision making. Also, the role of changing target values in old age in consecutive guidelines is discussed. Furthermore, the pivotal role of practice nurses in the regular follow-up of patients with hypertension and diabetes is outlined, as well as the possibly inadequate supervision by general practitioners in this respect. Finally, the unjustifiable therapeutic inertia in uncontrolled hypertensive diabetic patients is highlighted. However, the commentary concludes that overall the management of hypertension is in the right place in general practice.