PREVALENCE OF TOBACCO SMOKING AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE AMONG PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION.

Arterial hypertension remains one of the most widespread and socially significant conditions within the spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. Its essential form is particularly relevant, as it tends to progress gradually due to a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. It is also important to note that hypertension often serves as a predictor of more severe cardiovascular complications, including ischemic heart disease, stroke, and chronic heart failure. Despite the multifactorial nature of the disease, this article focuses on the prevalence of two major risk factors — smoking and alcohol consumption — and their role in the development of arterial hypertension.