Blood Pressure Classification (BP)
Normal
SBP*, mm Hg
< 120
DBP*, mm Hg
< 80
Lifestyle Modification
Encourage
Without Compelling Indication
No antihypertensive drug indicated
With Compelling Indications
Drug(s) for compelling indications ++
*Treatment determined by highest BP category.
+ Initial combined therapy should be used cautiously in those at risk for orthostatic hypotension.
++ Treat patients with chronic kidney disease or diabetes to BP goal of < 130/80 mm Hg.
DBP = diastolic blood pressure; SBP = systolic blood pressure.
Drug abbreviations: ACEI = angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB = angiotensin-receptor blocker; BB = β-Blocker; CCB = calcium channel blocker.
Source: JNC 7, Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure, NIH, NHLBI Dec 03.
Note: Absence of 10%-20% BP decrease during sleep may indicate increased cardiovascular disease risk.
