Changes in BP treatment recommendations

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 12 2010

Q: Quite a few years ago (about 25-30) blood pressure was considered normal at an approximation of your age plus 100; ie. you are 60 so your blood pressure would be approximately 160/80. When and why did they (WHO?) decide that the blood pressure of an 18 year old and a 60 year old should be identical?

A: Medical science does not stand still. We now know more about the relationship between blood pressure and the risk for heart attack and stroke. Current recommendations for treatment are based on The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). For more information about the government organization and medical scientists behind this report, click here.

Defining high blood pressure and hypertension

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009

Q: Is there any difference between high blood pressure and hypertension?

A: Your blood pressure can be high but still not be in a range where medication is needed. This is known as pre-hypertension. With pre-hypertension, your blood pressure is not normal but you are not yet hypertensive. When blood pressure is high enough for medical treatment, it is known as hypertension. For more details about the difference, go to an article discussing the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7).

For a shorter version showing treatment guidelines, click here.

What is the initial therapy for someone who has been diagnosed with high blood pressure?

Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 26 2007

Q: When prescribing BP meds to patients for the first time, is there a particular drug that a doctor should start out with first and then work up to other categories if the medications are not working?

A: To quote the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaulation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, “Thiazide-type diuretics should be used as initial therapy for most patients with hypertension, either alone or in combination.”