[Hypertension : two European recommendations, two strategies, one clinical challenge]

Justine Huart1,2, François Jouret1,2, Patrizio Lancellotti2,3

  • 1Service de Néphrologie, CHU Liège, Belgique.

PubMed

Insights

The European Society of Hypertension and European Society of Cardiology now issue separate hypertension guidelines. Differences in blood pressure classification and treatment offer flexible, patient-centered care.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hypertension Management

Context:

  • Joint hypertension guidelines were previously published by the European Society of Hypertension (ESH) and European Society of Cardiology (ESC) in 2003, 2007, 2013, and 2018.
  • The ESH and ESC have now released separate recommendations in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

Purpose:

  • To outline the key differences between the ESH and ESC hypertension management guidelines.
  • To highlight the implications of the European Society of Cardiology's new blood pressure classification.
  • To emphasize the complementary nature of the separate guidelines.

Summary:

  • Notable differences exist, particularly the ESC's revised blood pressure classification impacting patient management.
  • Variations are also present in diagnostic and treatment algorithms.
  • Despite differences, both guideline sets are complementary, offering flexibility in clinical decision-making.

Impact:

  • The duality in guidelines provides valuable flexibility for tailored patient treatment and clinician judgment.
  • The primary goal is to overcome therapeutic inertia in managing hypertension.
  • Addressing hypertension effectively is crucial due to its commonality and serious health consequences.

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