Screening for Hypertension in Adults: US Preventive Services Task Force Reaffirmation Recommendation Statement

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Preventive Health
• Clinical Practice Guidelines

Background:

• Hypertension affects nearly half of US adults and is a leading cause of serious health issues.
• It is the most frequent diagnosis in outpatient settings.
• Hypertension significantly increases the risk of heart failure, heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update recommendations on hypertension screening.
• To assess the benefits and harms of screening.
• To evaluate blood pressure measurement accuracy for screening and confirmation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review commissioned by the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
• Reaffirmation deliberation process.
• Evaluation of office and out-of-office blood pressure measurement accuracy.

Main Results:

• Screening for hypertension in adults demonstrates substantial net benefit.
• Office blood pressure measurement is accurate for initial screening.
• Non-clinical setting measurements are recommended for diagnostic confirmation.

Conclusions:

• The USPSTF recommends routine hypertension screening for all adults 18 years and older.
• Confirmation of diagnosis with out-of-office measurements is advised before treatment initiation.
• This recommendation carries a high certainty of substantial net benefit.