Hypertension guideline update: A new guideline for a new era

Sondra M DePalma1, Cheryl Dennison Himmelfarb, Eric J MacLaughlin

  • 1Sondra M. DePalma practices at PinnacleHealth CardioVascular Institute in Harrisburg, Pa., and is director of regulatory and professional practice for the American Academy of PAs in Alexandria, Va. Cheryl Dennison Himmelfarb is a professor and associate dean for research at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore, Md. Eric J. MacLaughlin is a professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's School of Pharmacy in Amarillo, Tex. Sandra J. Taler is a staff consultant in the Division of Nephrology/Hypertension and a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minn. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Insights

This review summarizes the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline, emphasizing updated blood pressure (BP) stages and lower treatment goals for adults. Evidence-based management reduces risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

  • Hypertension impacts one-third of US adults, contributing to significant mortality.
  • Effective treatment of high blood pressure (BP) reduces risks of stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the 2017 ACC/AHA Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults.
  • To highlight key changes in BP classification and treatment objectives.

Main Methods:

  • Review of the 2017 ACC/AHA Clinical Practice Guidelines.
  • Analysis of updated recommendations for hypertension management.

Main Results:

  • The guideline reclassifies blood pressure stages for adults.
  • Treatment goals for hypertension have been lowered.

Conclusions:

  • Updated guidelines provide evidence-based strategies for hypertension management.
  • Changes in BP classification and treatment targets aim to improve patient outcomes and reduce cardiovascular events.

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