[Affective temperaments (cyclothymic, hypertymic, depressive, anxious, irritable) are stable parts of personality and after adolescent only their minor changes are detectable. Their connections with psychopathology is well-described; depressive temperament plays role in major depression, cyclothymic temperament in bipolar II disorder, while hyperthymic temperament in bipolar I disorder. Moreover, scientific data of the last decade suggest, that affective temperaments are also associated with somatic diseases. Cyclothymic temperament is supposed to have the closest connection with hypertension. The prevalence of hypertension is higher parallel with the presence of dominant cyclothymic affective temperament and in this condition the frequency of cardiovascular complications in hypertensive patients was also described to be higher. In chronic hypertensive patients cyclothymic temperament score is positively associated with systolic blood pressure and in women with the earlier development of hypertension. The background of these associations is probably based on the more prevalent presence of common risk factors (smoking, obesity, alcoholism) with more pronounced cyclothymic temperament. The scientific importance of the research of the associations of personality traits including affective temperaments with somatic disorders can help in the identification of higher risk patient subgroups.]

[In 60-70% of patients with hypertension, a significant decrease in blood pressure can only be achieved by a combination of antihypertensive drugs. International as well as national guidelines emphasise the numerous advantages and the importance of combination treatment. Fixed combinations are particularly advantageous, as their use improves patients’ compliance. This paper summarises the available information on the possible combinations of the nine major antihypertensive drug groups distributed in Hungary, and for details the results published on the recently approved and introduced fixed combination of telmisartan and amlodipine.]

[The occurrence of hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is increasing. Recognising COPD is important in order to choose the appropriate antihypertensive drugs. Anti-hypertensive drugs that can be used to treat patients with hypertension and COPD include diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, angioten-sine receptor blockers (AT1 receptor antagonists) and calcium antagonists, as well as cardioselective beta blockers, as these drugs decrease total and cardiovascular mortality. Of these agents, the importance of the most cardioselective one, nebivolol should be stressed, as this drug has no clinically significant effect on parameters of respiratory function, and, through its additional effects (namely by increasing the synthesis of NO), it has a beneficial effect on COPD-related deterioration of respiratory functions, haemodynamic alterations (cor pulmonale) and local factors that participate in the respiratory inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.]

[Changes in hypertension guidelines in the past years have affected the clinical thinking about β-blockers. Authors reviewed the development of β-blockers emphasizing the differences across various active pharmaceutical agents. Different hemodynamic and metabolic effects are being discussed in details for the third ge - neration vasodilatator carvedilol. Carvedilol has no effect on cardiac output but decreases peripheral vascular resistance which results in lower blood pressure values. However, carvedilol, opposite to unfavorable effects of traditional β-blockers, has a neutral impact on both carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Its more advanced cardiac effects include decreased left ventricular hypertrophy and increased coronary flow reserve. Vasodilatator type β-blockers (carvedilol, nebivolol) are indicated in the combi - nation treatment of hypertension, especially when the patient has heart failure, coronary disease or suffered from a previous heart attack.]

[It is well known, that there is a difference between peripheral and central systolic and pulse pressure. As the pressure wave travels distally from the heart, there is a significant increase, which is called pressure amplification. Central blood pressure can be measured easily and non-invasively, and the result shows a positive correlation with cardiovascular end-points. Several antihypertensive drugs can differently decrease central and peripheral blood pressure. The effect of diuretics on central systolic and pulse pressure is neutral or negative. While traditional β-blockers (e.g. atenolol) have a definitive negative effect, nebivolol shows a positive one. The calcium antagonists tend to have a favorable effect, while the clear beneficial effect of the angiotensin converting enzime inhibitors is well documented. There are only few data on angiotensin receptor blockers, however, the results seem to be promising.]