For a patient with BP 135/85 and an ASCVD risk under 10%, what is recommended?

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Multiple Choice

For a patient with BP 135/85 and an ASCVD risk under 10%, what is recommended?

Managing hypertension involves pairing your current BP with the patient’s overall cardiovascular risk. A BP of 135/85 falls into stage 1 hypertension, and because the ASCVD 10-year risk is less than 10%, the best approach is nonpharmacologic management plus close follow-up. This means lifestyle changes such as weight reduction if needed, regular aerobic exercise, a DASH-style or heart-healthy diet, sodium reduction, limiting alcohol, and smoking cessation, along with rechecking blood pressure in about 3–6 months to see if control improves. Starting blood-pressure–lowering medications would be more appropriate if the risk were higher (or the BP remained elevated despite lifestyle changes), whereas hospitalization is not indicated for this level of BP and risk.

Managing hypertension involves pairing your current BP with the patient’s overall cardiovascular risk. A BP of 135/85 falls into stage 1 hypertension, and because the ASCVD 10-year risk is less than 10%, the best approach is nonpharmacologic management plus close follow-up. This means lifestyle changes such as weight reduction if needed, regular aerobic exercise, a DASH-style or heart-healthy diet, sodium reduction, limiting alcohol, and smoking cessation, along with rechecking blood pressure in about 3–6 months to see if control improves. Starting blood-pressure–lowering medications would be more appropriate if the risk were higher (or the BP remained elevated despite lifestyle changes), whereas hospitalization is not indicated for this level of BP and risk.

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