Table 3.

Decision to Use BP-Lowering Medications: ACC/AHA COR/LOE^a,b

	Stage 2 high BP	Stage 1 high BP	Elevated BP
ASCVD risk ≥10%	COR/LOE 1A	COR LOE 1A	Not recommended
ASCVD risk <10%	COR LOE 1 C-LD	Not initially recommended	Not recommended

^aAbbreviations: ACC, American College of Cardiology; AHA, American Heart Association; ASCVD, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; BP, blood pressure; COR, class of recommendation; LOE, level of evidence.

^bNonpharmacologic lifestyle modifications recommended for all (COR LOE 1A). For older adults (65 years or older) with hypertension and a high burden of comorbidity and limited life expectancy, clinical judgment, patient preference, and a team-based approach to assess risk/benefit is reasonable for decisions regarding intensity of BP-lowering and choice of antihypertensive drugs (COR LOEIIa-CEO).