New made-in-BC guidelines for Hypertension

BC Doctors now have access to new guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hypertension created by physicians in our province.

The Guideline and Protocols Advisory Committee (a partnership of Doctors of BC and the provincial government) has released the guidelines which focuses on adults 19 years of age and older. Among the recommendations, the document suggests exercise and lifestyle management is key for patients with mild hypertension and low risk for cardiovascular disease.

Other suggestions include:

• A blood pressure reading of 140/90 is desirable in adults with no co-morbid conditions, diabetes, chronic kidney disease or other organ damage.
• When taking office blood pressure readings, the use of an automated office blood pressure measuring electronic device is recommended.
• Consider 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring or home blood pressure morning to confirm a hypertension diagnoses.
• Instigate pharmaceutical management in the context of the patient’s overall cardiovascular risk, and not solely on a patient’s blood pressure.

To view the BC guidelines on hypertension , click here.