J Korean Med Assoc.  2018 Aug;61(8):485-492. 10.5124/jkma.2018.61.8.485.

New definition for hypertension

• Lee HY

• KMID: 2428823
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2018.61.8.485

Abstract

Since the Joint National Committee advocated the definition of hypertension as over 140/90 mmHg in its fourth set of guidelines in 1988, the definition of hypertension as over 140/90 mmHg has seemed to be an undebatable point of dogma. However, surprisingly, in 2017, the new hypertension guideline published by the American Heart Association/American College Cardiology/American Society of Hypertension suggested a new definition of hypertension as over 130/80 mmHg. However, the majority of hypertension guidelines, including those of the Korean Society of Hypertension and the European Society of Hypertension, have retained the traditional definition. Herein, I provide background information regarding the new definition of hypertension and present suggestions on how to harmonize the different definitions and avoid discrepancies.

Keyword

Hypertension; Blood pressure; Definition

MeSH Terms

Blood Pressure
Heart
Hypertension*
Joints

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