Implications of the New National Guidelines for Hypertension

Abstract

Automated validated devices should be used for measuring blood pressure (BP). A systolic BP between 120 and 129 mm Hg with a diastolic BP < 80 mm Hg should be treated by lifestyle measures. Lifestyle measures plus BP lowering drugs should be used for secondary prevention of recurrent cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in persons with clinical CVD (coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, and stroke) and an average systolic BP of ≥130 mm Hg or an average diastolic BP ≥ 80 mm Hg. Lifestyle measures plus BP lowering drugs should be used for primary prevention of CVD in persons with an estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic CVD ≥ 10% and an average systolic BP ≥130 mm Hg or an average diastolic BP ≥ 80 mm Hg. Lifestyle measures plus BP lowering drugs should be used for primary prevention of CVD in persons with an estimated 10-year risk of atherosclerotic CVD of <10% and an average systolic BP ≥ 140 mm Hg or an average diastolic BP ≥ 90 mm Hg. Initiate antihypertensive drug therapy with 2 first-line drugs from different classes either as separate agents or in a fixed-dose combination in persons with a BP ≥ 140/90 mm Hg or with a BP > 20/10 mm Hg above their BP target. White coat hypertension must be excluded before initiating treatment with antihypertensive drugs in persons with hypertension at low risk for atherosclerotic CVD. Antihypertensive drug treatment for different disorders is discussed.