The Evolution of Hypertension Guidelines: A Global and European Perspective with a Focus on Classification of Hypertension (Review)
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Abstract
Hypertension guidelines play an important role in offering “balanced information” to guide clinicians in clinical decisions and have contributed to improving hypertension management over time. However, the process of guideline development is complex and subject to vulnerabilities. Consequently, key aspects of hypertension management remain highly debated. Here, we evaluate the evolution in hypertension management and identify limitations and inconsistencies in guidelines with a focus on definitions and classifications of hypertension. We analyzed guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) from years 1962 to 1999 and the European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Hypertension from years 2003 to 2018 to obtain a global and European perspective. Overall, it is understood that recommendations for hypertension management have and will continue to be subject to modifications with time, especially in an ever-evolving field of hypertension research with emerging evidence. Therefore, these inherent complexities and changes should be embraced, while bearing in mind that guidelines should always be based on up-to-date and robust evidence.
DOI: 10.15713/ins.johtn.0224
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