Part 1 Epidemiology and natural history: measurement of blood pressure; definitions of hypertension; risks of hypertension; determinants of blood pressure. Part 2 Mechanisms of blood pressure control: cardiac output and regulation; venous circulation; vasodilators and vasoconstrictors; central regulation; baroreceptors; renin-angiotensin system; other regulatory factors. Part 3 Pathogenesis and experimental models: experimental models; physiology mechanisms of blood pressure control; cellular changes. Part 4 Pathological consequences: vascular hypertrophy; fibrinoid necrosis; microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia; arteriosclerosis; atheroma; cardiac effects; CNS effects; renal effects. Part 5 Known causes of hypertension: the nervous system; the kidneys; the endocrine system; coarctation; pregnancy; drugs. Part 6 Clinical subgroups: children; pregnancy; the elderly; hypertensive emergencies. Part 7 History and examination: medical, drug and family histories; examination. Part 8 Investigation of the patient: urine and blood tests; chest X-ray, ECG, ultrasound, pyelography, isotope scannings, CT scannings, plasma renin activity, gamma camera scanning and IVDSA; pharmacological tests. Part 9 Drug action: diuretics - adrenoreceptor antagonists; vasodilators; calcium entry blockers; inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system - blockers; centrally acting drugs; ganglion blockers; adrenergic neurone blockers; new agents. Part 10 Treatment: data from the trials; non-pharmacological methods - weight loss, sodium intake, potassium intake, calcium intake, alcohol intake, diet, exercise, yoga and relaxation; pharmacological treatment - drug combinations, adverse effects; special categories.