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Published on: September 26, 2018

[Managing hypertension: the uncertainty of definitions and targets]

V Forni1, G Wuerzner, M Pruijm

  • 1Service de néphrologie et consultation d'hypertension, CHUV, 1011 Lausanne. valentina.forni@chuv.ch

Revue Medicale Suisse
|February 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Physicians face varied definitions and goals for arterial hypertension based on measurement methods and disease. This article reviews blood pressure thresholds, guidelines, and the J-curve phenomenon regarding excessive reduction risks.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Hypertension Research

Context:

  • Clinical practice presents diverse definitions and treatment objectives for arterial hypertension.
  • Diagnostic methods like office, home, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring influence these goals.
  • Underlying disease complexity further complicates hypertension management.

Purpose:

  • To discuss the historical background and evidence supporting various blood pressure thresholds.
  • To review recent treatment guidelines for arterial hypertension.
  • To explore the "J curve" debate concerning risks of excessive blood pressure reduction.

Summary:

  • This article examines the evolution and evidence behind different blood pressure thresholds used in diagnosing and managing arterial hypertension.
  • It analyzes current treatment guidelines and critically discusses the "J curve" phenomenon.
  • The impact of measurement techniques (office, home, ambulatory) on hypertension definitions and goals is highlighted.

Impact:

  • Provides clarity on the multifaceted nature of arterial hypertension diagnosis and treatment goals.
  • Informs clinicians about current guidelines and the potential risks of aggressive blood pressure lowering.
  • Contributes to a better understanding of blood pressure targets and the "J curve" in clinical decision-making.

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