RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 1988 Joint National Committee guidelines for managing hypertension: how are they different? JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 41 OP 47 VO 56 IS 1 A1 Gifford, Ray W. YR 1989 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/56/1/41.abstract AB 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.