Search of multiple markers of organ damage for better cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertension. Role of “SHATS” syndrome in the clinical practice

Essential hypertension is a chronic, asymptomatic disease characterized by sustained and persistent rise in systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) levels and increased risk of developing major cardiovascular (CV) complications, including stroke, myocardial infarction, renal disease, congestive heart failure and CV death. Risk of hypertension-related CV complications can be estimated by comprehensive evaluation of individual global CV risk profile, which includes search for CV risk factors and comorbidities, as well as assessment of markers of organ damage (OD).