One Step Forward: Hypertension Guidelines 2017

Non-adherence, irregular follow-ups and less awareness towards hypertension is a leading cause of increasing Cardiovascular Diseases(CVDs) worldwide.

Up until now Hypertension was considered prevalent in patients with pressure reading equal or above 140/90 mm Hg. However, examining the risks and ever increasing number of hypertensive patients , the guideline has been revised to pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher .

Also, the term Elevated Blood Pressure (Systolic BP 120-129 mm Hg, Diastolic BP 80 mm Hg) has been intoduced to replace prehypertension.

Good control of blood pressure will result in prolonged survival in hypertensive patients. Increasing number of hypertensive patients shows a considerable difference in recommendation and actual practice by physician.

Considering all these parameters, Whelton P. K. et al. revised hypertension guidelines, which has in turn increased its focus on Cardiovascular and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseases(CVD & ASCVD). It emphasizes on increasing non-pharmacological treatment as well as providing more detailed information on pharmacological treatment medications, keeping in mind the risks involved in CVD and ASCVD. It has also tried to increase awareness on providing constant follow-ups at regular intervals, which ultimately helps keeping tabs on minute changes in the patient’s condition as well as help control it.

The new algorithm provided by the guideline greatly helps in directing medical practitioners to a meticulous pathway on dealing with all kinds of hypertension stages.

Thus, the new hypertension guideline has improvised in all areas and provided adept instructions to the patients as well as doctors.

Read More:

http://www.onlinejacc.org/guidelines/highbloodpressure

Written By:

Riya Parekh

Kelina Gandhi

(Doctor of Pharmacy)