ABSTRACT
The new Joint National Committee guidelines on managing hypertension retain the stepped care concept but add flexibility. The 1988 report recommends that, in addition to diuretics and beta blockers, calcium-channel blockers and ACE inhibitors be considered for initial monotherapy. Compared to previous JNC reports, lower starting doses of most antihypertensive drugs, especially diuretics, are recommended. For the first time, the guidelines discuss the cost of antihypertensive therapy. Specific nonpharmacologic therapy and its role in relation to drug therapy are discussed in greater detail than previous reports.
- Received July 1988.
- Accepted October 1988.
- Copyright © 1989 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.