Impact and interpretation of multiple guidelines and consensus documents

The US National High Blood Pressure Education Program (NHBPEP) was established in 1972, shortly after publication of the initial landmark reports of the Veterans Administration Cooperative study reports demonstrating safety and efficacy in reducing abnormally elevated arterial pressure with antihypertensive drugs. Over the ensuing 23 years, this program was responsible for the formulation of periodic guidelines on the general approach to the patient with hypertension as well as on a number of more specific considerations by more specialized working groups that deal with other concerns relative to the diagnosis, treatment and other aspects of hypertensive cardiovascular disease.