The latter recommendation was not agreed upon by all panel members because of the risk of cardiovascular events associated with BP ≥140/90 mmHg.
In the general population aged ≥60 years, treatment to lower blood pressure should begin when BP ≥150/90 mmHg.
The Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) guideline recommends starting pharmacological treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease and diabetes if BP ≥140/90 mmHg.
The main goal of treatment is to decrease the risk of mortality and of cardiovascular and renal morbidity.
Essential hypertension is defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg, with no secondary cause identified.
