HTN Guidelines Loosen BP Cutoffs

The long-awaited update to guidelines for the management of hypertension -- from the panel appointed to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) -- raises the recommended blood pressure threshold to determine the need for drug therapy in many patients.

For most hypertensive individuals 60 or older, pharmacologic treatment should be started when the systolic pressure is 150 mm Hg or higher or the diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher, with the goal of achieving readings below those cutoffs, according to the new recommendations.

For younger hypertensive patients and for those with chronic kidney disease or diabetes -- regardless of age -- treatment should be initiated when the systolic pressure is 140 or higher or the diastolic pressure is 90 or higher.

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Source: Med Page Today