Hypertension is the most common primary diagnosis in America. Although control rates have improved they are still far below the optimal goal. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that effective blood pressure control can be achieved in most patients who are hypertensive, but the majority will require two or more antihypertensive drugs. Of paramount importance, clinicians should prescribe lifestyle modifications, adequate antihypertensive drug doses, or appropriate drug combinations for effective BP control. JNC 7 sets evidence based guidelines for recommendations of diagnosis and evaluation of hypertension; the JNC 8 provides updated evidence-based recommendations on treatment. However, neither set of guidelines substitutes for a physicians’ clinical decision-making.

Thank you for completing our module on Hypertension.