Some of the leading scientists in the field of hypertension accepted an invi- tation to actively participate in an international symposium on primary hypertension. Scientists from 13 countries - from western, southern, and eastern Europe, Australia, and the United States - were present. The meeting was held in Cologne in March 1985. After previous meetings and workshops at Titisee in the Black Forest and several symposia on the renin- angiotensin-aldosterone system here in Cologne, this symposium on prima- ry hypertension was organized in order to induce and to stimulate critical discussion...