Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
Published on: September 26, 2018
[New guidelines for hypertension management in 2013]
1Université de Liège, Belgique.
Insights
The 2013 European guidelines simplify blood pressure targets for hypertension treatment to below 140/90 mmHg for most patients. Special consideration is given to octogenarians, with a target systolic pressure below 150 mmHg.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Hypertension Management
- Clinical Guidelines
Context:
- The 2013 guidelines for arterial hypertension were released by the European Societies of Cardiology and Hypertension.
- Cardiovascular risk assessment is crucial for treatment decisions.
- Out-of-office blood pressure measurements are vital for accurate hypertension diagnosis.
Purpose:
- To summarize the key updates and recommendations from the 2013 European guidelines on arterial hypertension.
- To highlight changes in blood pressure targets and new therapeutic approaches.
Summary:
- The guidelines emphasize cardiovascular risk assessment and the importance of out-of-office blood pressure monitoring.
- A simplified blood pressure target of <140/90 mmHg is recommended for most patients.
- For octogenarians, the systolic blood pressure target is <150 mmHg.
- New invasive therapies for resistant hypertension, such as renal denervation and carotid baroreceptor stimulation, are introduced but require further validation.
Impact:
- Provides clinicians with updated evidence-based recommendations for managing arterial hypertension.
- Simplifies treatment targets, potentially improving patient adherence and outcomes.
- Introduces novel therapeutic options for resistant hypertension, paving the way for future research.
Abstract:
The 2013 guidelines for arterial hypertension have just been released by the European Societies of Cardiology and Hypertension. As already discussed in earlier versions, the decision to treat must be based on the assessment of the cardiovascular risk. The value of out-of-the office blood pressure measurements to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension is underlined and the authors stress the need for a close follow up of non pharmacological therapeutic measures. A novelty, however, consists in the simplification of the blood pressure target under treatment, which must be < 140/90 mmHg in the vast majority of patients, except for octogenerians whose systolic blood pressure target should be < 150 mmHg. For resistant hypertension, renal denervation and carotid baroreceptor stimulation are proposed as new invasive modes of therapy; their clinical values, however, remain to be confirmed.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension V: Nursing Management
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

