Hypertension and Stroke

Course overview

Hypertension can occur as a primary progressive disease or can be due to secondary conditions. The Joint National Committee has provided recommendations for hypertension management and each recommendation is graded based upon the strength of the recommendation or the evidence-based research supporting treatment. Expert opinion is also referenced in the recommendations for hypertension where the evidence is insufficient, unclear, or conflicted relative to hypertension treatment. There are varied and extensive guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension with or without a condition of stroke, which tend to be lengthy and complex. Substantive differences on hypertension guidelines exist between the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) and other national professional bodies, such as the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP) on certain factors, such as age, and the recommended treatment. There are also differences between the ACC/AHA hypertension guideline and other international hypertension guidelines based upon similar research trials that pertain to hypertension and stroke treatment. It is helpful to recognize that all clinical guidelines tend to include the same body of research with respect to hypertension diagnosis and treatment and on the management of hypertension alongside other comorbidities, including stroke.