Optimal, essential recommendations presented for lifestyle interventions, therapy in adults with HTN
WEDNESDAY, May 20, 2020 (HealthDay News) — In International Society of Hypertension practice guidelines, published in the June issues of Hypertension and the Journal of Hypertension, recommendations are presented for the management of hypertension in adults aged 18 years and older.
Thomas Unger, M.D., Ph.D., from Maastricht University in the Netherlands, and colleagues outline the best approaches to hypertension management and provide optimal and essential recommendations for health professionals.
The authors note that hypertension should be diagnosed when a person’s blood pressure is ≥140/90 mm Hg in the office or clinic, following repeated examination. Individuals with high-normal BP (130-139/85-89 mm Hg) could benefit from lifestyle interventions and may receive pharmacologic treatment in the case of compelling indications; individuals with confirmed hypertension should receive appropriate pharmacologic treatment. Patients with hypertension, especially those with a family history of cardiovascular disease, should undergo evaluation of additional risk factors. Cardiovascular risk should be assessed by including other risk factors such as age, sex, heart rate, increased body weight, diabetes, and smoking habits. Lifestyle modification is the first line of antihypertensive treatment and can also enhance antihypertensive treatment. Pharmacological treatment should target a BP reduction of at least 20/10 mm Hg, ideally to 140/90 mm Hg; BP control should be aimed for within three months. Essential recommendations include use of whatever drugs are available with as many of the ideal characteristics as possible.
“We believe these simplified guidelines will be of use globally and may be of most use in countries that do not have their own national hypertension practice guidelines,” a coauthor said in a statement.
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