It is a pleasure to introduce the book entitled, Hypertension: A Case-based Approach, edited by Drs Elizabeth W Edwards and Donald J DiPette. In an era during which hypertension has transformed from a public health disease burden in westernized, high-income countries to a global epidemic affecting low-to-middle income countries, clinicians need timely, up-to-date information and knowledge regarding the morbidity and mortality of hypertension and its target organ damage. The World Health Organization, World Hypertension League, and Center for Disease Control and Prevention; health ministries; physicians and non-physicians thought leaders; and stakeholders in various countries and regions have recognized this global transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases, presently centered on cardiovascular risk associated with hypertension. This recognition has led to the development and initial implementation of large-scale programs to address this important health threat. Thus, this book is especially timely. Importantly, this book is unique as it employs a case-based format and approach to address the prevention, diagnosis, treatment (both pharma-cologic and non-pharmacologic), and control of hypertension, as well as its heavy cardiovascular disease consequences. Physicians (primary care and subspecialists), healthcare providers (nursing, physician assistants, pharmacists, nutritionists, and social service professionals), and other healthcare professionals in postgraduate and undergraduate trainings will find the information contained in the book immediately applicable to their clinical practice and educational training in this important and growing field. I congratulate the editors, Drs Elizabeth W Edwards and Donald J DiPette, for assembling one of the most practical books to date on the management of hypertension in the community. Not only is this book a fountain of medical knowledge but also the principles covered therein have immense practical utility to clinicians all over the world.

Hypertension has been described as the silent killer since it is without symptoms for much of its natural history. However, the long-term target organ damage associated with elevated blood pressure is definitely not silent. In the past, some authorities have viewed elevated blood pressure as a compen-satory mechanism to preserve blood flow to vital organs in response to peripheral vascular diseases. However, this previous dogma has now changed dramatically: high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiac disease (including myocardial infarction, left ventricular hypertrophy, arrhythmias, and congestive heart failure), cerebrovascular disease (including ischemia, stroke, and dementia), renal disease (chronic and end stage renal failure), and death. Furthermore, the global population's awareness, treatment, and control rates of hypertension are dismally low, which contributes to the increasing global non-communicable disease burden. Thus, it is imperative that the healthcare, governmental, and public sectors be knowledgeable regarding hypertension and its consequences and disseminate information at local, regional, and national levels. It is our hope that trainees health professionals regarding the pathophysiology of the disease will raise public awareness for hypertension detection, prevention, and control.

We owe a debt of gratitude to those individuals who came before us and who laid the foundation for subsequent learning regarding the vast field of hypertension, specifically those who took the risk to suggest a different approach to education and implemented case-based learning. Furthermore, this textbook is the product of extensive efforts of many individuals who have taken the time to share their wisdom with others in order to enhance the medical care and health of patients. We are grateful for their leadership, knowledge, energy, and time. On a personal note, we are thankful to the unwavering support of our institution, the University of South Carolina and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and Department of Medicine. We are fortunate to work in an organization that values the contributions of students, residents, and fellows in training. Finally, we would like to thank the editorial staff of M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd, New Delhi, India, for their expertise, support, and patience in the development of this book.