Jnc 7

Clinical Practice Guideline Hypertension Evaluation and Treatment

The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) was released in May 2003. Premera has adopted the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s JNC 7 guideline. The Reference Card from the guideline is attached and the complete guideline text is available online at: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/index.htm. The key focus of JNC’s new guideline is to get patients accurately diagnosed, evaluated and on therapy in a reasonable amount of time. The diagnosis of “Prehypertension” is characterized by a systolic blood pressure of 120-139 or a diastolic presure of 80-89. Prehypertension is treated through early interventions. Encouraging life-style changes during this prehypertensive period sets the stage for initiation of antihypertensive medication should the patient reach stage 1. The guideline was reviewed and recommended for approval by Premera’s Clinical Quality Advisory Committee. The Advisory Group’s composition reflects a variety of medical specialties as well as geographic regions served by Premera. Premera’s Clinical Quality Improvement Committee approved this guideline for the release to participating providers. Premera reviews and updates clincal practice guidelines at least every two years.

012095 (08-2005) © 2005 Premera Blue Cross. All Rights Reserved. This guideline is provided by Premera Blue Cross and Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska—Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Reference Card from the

Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) Evaluation

Treatment

Classification of Blood Pressure (BP)*

Principles of Hypertension Treatment · Treat to BP < 140/90 mmHg or BP < 130/80 mmHg in patients

Category Normal Prehypertension Hypertension, Stage 1 Hypertension, Stage 2

SBP mmHg