Duration and cut off for new hypertension
The duration and cutoff for new hypertension are important considerations in diagnosing and managing hypertension. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Duration:
- The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) recommend that blood pressure be measured on at least three separate occasions, with at least one week between measurements, to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that blood pressure be measured on at least two separate occasions, with at least one week between measurements, to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension.
Cutoffs:
- The AHA and ACC define hypertension as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 80 mmHg.
- The WHO defines hypertension as a SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or a DBP ≥ 90 mmHg.
- The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 8) defines hypertension as a SBP ≥ 140 mmHg or a DBP ≥ 90 mmHg.
New hypertension:
- The AHA and ACC define new hypertension as a blood pressure that is ≥ 140/90 mmHg on at least two separate occasions, with at least one week between measurements, in an individual who has not previously been diagnosed with hypertension.
- The WHO defines new hypertension as a blood pressure that is ≥ 160/100 mmHg on at least two separate occasions, with at least one week between measurements, in an individual who has not previously been diagnosed with hypertension.
Important considerations:
- Blood pressure measurements should be taken in a quiet, comfortable setting, with the individual seated and with their back supported.
- The individual should not have consumed caffeine or nicotine for at least 30 minutes before the measurement.
- The blood pressure measurement should be taken using a properly calibrated and validated blood pressure monitor.
- The individual should be advised to avoid talking or moving during the measurement.
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and the specific criteria for diagnosing and managing hypertension may vary depending on the individual's medical history, age, and other factors.