There are many options in the treatment of high blood pressure. Medicines, lifestyle changes, and other interventions are all used in different combinations depending on specific patient characteristics. While the goal of high blood pressure treatment is always to reduce the blood pressure, the specific target numbers differ depending on whether the individual being treated is a "complicated" or "uncomplicated" patient.
The difference between these two types of patients is:
- Uncomplicated Patients have no underlying disease causing their high blood pressure and have not developed any other organ problems as a result of their high blood pressure.
- Complicated Patients have other existing diseases in addition to their high blood pressure
Goals for Uncomplicated Patients
Treatment for uncomplicated patients is focused on reducing the blood pressure and avoiding long term complications. The specific blood pressure goals are:
- Systolic Pressure <140
- Diastolic Pressure <90
Goals for Complicated Patients
Complicated patients require treatment of both high blood pressure and other existing diseases. Some common diseases that coexist with high blood pressure include:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disorders
- Certain Heart Disorders or Diseases
The specific blood pressure goals in complicated patients are:
- Systolic Pressure <130
- Diastolic Pressure <85
Monitoring Goals
During treatment, blood pressure must be checked regularly to ensure the effectiveness of the current course of therapy. It is common for patients to have their blood pressure checked every 1-6 months depending on:
- The Aggressiveness of the treatment
- Past records of success or failure with treatment
- The blood pressure as recorded over the previous 3 months
