Table II.
Management of Blood Pressure for Adults 18 Years or Older With Compelling Indications according to JNC 7 Guidelines
| compelling indication | first‐line antihypertensive drugs | no. of drugs recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Heart disease | ||
| Stable angina pectoris | BBs or CCBs | ≥2 drugs |
| Acute coronary syndromes (unstable angina or myocardial infarction) | BBs or ACEIs | ≥2 drugs |
| Post–myocardial infarction | ACEIs or BBs or aldosterone antagonists | ≥2 drugs |
| Heart failure | ACEIs or BBs or ARBs or aldosterone blockers in combination with diuretics | ≥2 drugs |
| Diabetes | Combinations of ≥2 drugs with thiazide‐type diuretics, BBs, ACEIs, ARBs, and CCBs to achieve the target goal of <130/80 mm Hg | ≥2 drugs |
| Kidney disease | Often with ≥3 drugs to reach target BP values of <130/80 mm Hg with ACEIs or ARBs in a combination with diuretics or BBs | ≥3 drugs |
| Cerebrovascular disease (recurrent stroke prevention) | Combination of an ACEI and thiazide‐type diuretic | ≥2 drugs |
Abbreviations: ACEI, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor; ARB, angiotensin receptor blocker; BB, β‐blocker; CCB, calcium channel blocker; JNC 7, the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.