The need for defining- and redefining- hypertension: beyond the numbers.
By definition, hypertension has been linked to blood pressure levels. This link is demonstrated in the various iterations of reports by the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC). Over the past few decades, the definition of hypertension has changed with each new report, and so have the levels of blood pressure that are considered satisfactory after treatment. In this article, Drs Giles and Sander review the current definitions of hypertension in clinical practice and its evaluation in light of total cardiovascular risk.
Giles
Thomas D
TD
Cardiovascular Research, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. tgiles@lsuhsc.edu
Sander
Gary E
GE
D001794:Blood Pressure; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012307:Risk Factors