The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7)
An updated report is due in the next few months. In the mean time, here are the JNC7's current guidelines. Click the chart to enlarge:
The greater the blood pressure (BP), the greater the risk for heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and retinal disease (retinopathy).
The JNC7 designated a BP below 120/80mmHg as normal. The classification of "prehypertension" emerged in this report and was defined as a BP of 120/80mmHg to 139/89mmHg. If prehypertension exists with no other compelling indications, the patient is instructed in lifestyle modification (see chart below). Compelling indications include diabetes, kidney disease, coronary artery disease, or history of heart attack or stroke. These conditions along with any BP above 139/89mmHg warrant drug intervention.
In patients with hypertension and diabetes or kidney disease, the BP goal is <130/80 mmHg.
