This guideline covers identifying and treating primary hypertension (high blood pressure) in people aged 18 and over, including people with type 2 diabetes. It aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose hypertension accurately and treat it effectively.
NICE has also produced a guideline on hypertension in pregnancy.
Recommendations
This guideline includes new and updated recommendations on:
- diagnosing hypertension
- starting antihypertensive drug treatment
- monitoring treatment and blood pressure targets
- choosing antihypertensive drug treatment (treatment steps 1 to 4)
- who to refer for same-day specialist review
It also includes unchanged recommendations on: