High Blood Pressure Treatment GuidelinesSkip to the navigationTopic OverviewDoctors have more than one set of guidelines they can follow for treatment of high blood pressure. The guidelines are based on research evidence and expert opinion, and their recommendations differ in slight ways. But the goal of treatment is the same: to lower your risk of health problems that are caused by, or made worse by, high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, you'll work with your doctor to lower it. Your doctor uses a guideline to help make a treatment plan that is right for you. No matter which guideline your doctor uses, your treatment plan can help you lower blood pressure and stay healthy. Blood pressure classificationAn ideal blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80. High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. footnote 1
Blood pressure goalsYour doctor will give you a blood pressure goal. You'll want to try to keep your blood pressure below your goal. Your goal is based on your age and health. Treatment guidelines differ slightly about blood pressure goals for certain groups of people. No matter which guideline your doctor uses, he or she will recommend a goal that is right for you. If you have a health problem such as diabetes, heart disease, or kidney disease, your goal might be less than 140/90. If you don't have another health problem, your goal might be based on your age. For example, if you are over 60, your goal might be less than 150/90. Treatment optionsTreatment options that lower blood pressure include lifestyle changes and medicine. Your options depend on how high your blood pressure is, whether you have other health problems such as diabetes, and whether any organs have already been damaged. Your doctor may also consider how likely you are to develop other diseases, especially heart disease.
Everyone needs to have a healthy lifestyle, no matter what his or her blood pressure goal is. Lifestyle changes are as important as medicine in lowering blood pressure and lowering the risk for heart attack and stroke. Lifestyle changes include losing weight, eating healthy, being active, limiting sodium and alcohol, and not smoking. If healthy habits aren't enough to bring your blood pressure down to your goal, you may need to take medicine too. Work with your doctor to decide what is right for you. Health ToolsHealth Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofNovember 3, 2016
Current as of: November 3, 2016 Weber MA, et al. (2013). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of hypertension in the community. Journal of Clinical Hypertension. DOI: 10.1111/jch.12237. Accessed December 19, 2013.
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