New Guidelines for Hypertension Raises the Bar on Treatment

Abstract

Recently, the new hypertension guidelines were revealed. It raised much conversation and controversy about what might happen to older individuals who fall into the “gray zone” and should treatment be held for older adults aged 60 years and older until a blood pressure reading of 150/90 mmHg is reached? Arguments supporting this change point to the strong evidence that supports this new change. In fact, flexing the old guidelines may improve quality of life through the reduction of hypertensive medication side effects. Those adamantly against this change fear that relaxing the guidelines may undo the progress made in lowering cardiovascular disease, particularly strokes. This article discusses these viewpoints after discovering the new hypertension guidelines.