AAFP New Clinical Guidelines for hypertension

Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only and you should consult your healthcare provider about this information.

AAFP, (The American Academy of Family Physicians) reviewed several randomized, controlled trials, and has published new clinical practice guideline on appropriate blood pressure treatment targets for adults with hypertension. These guideline apply to individuals with hypertension (with or without cardiovascular disease), and focuses on target blood pressure levels rather than specific treatments.

1) AAFP strongly recommends that clinicians treat adults who have hypertension to a standard blood pressure target of less than 140/90 mm Hg to reduce the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

2) AAFP also recommends that clinicians consider treating adults who have hypertension to a blood pressure target of less than 135/85 mm Hg to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, based on evidence showing a small additional benefit with this lower target.