They conclude that the recommendations contained in the JNC-V report have had little effect on prescribing patterns in the United States. We, too, have observed the soaring popularity of newer antihypertensive drugs. While prescribing guidelines are but a subset of the constellation of JNC recommendations, they are important, in part because of their cost implications. We would very much like to ensure that physicians give them due consideration. For instance, the new report includes a methods section that explicitly describes the approach used, so that readers may appreciate the context of the guidelines and judge their credibility.
More detail is given about the nature of the evidence in support of the recommendations.
New formats have been developed to enhance the report's visibility, penetration, and utilization. It is our hope that physicians will read the report, consider the needs of their patients, and use the scientific evidence and good clinical judgment to develop the most appropriate hypertension treatment plans possible with the knowledge we currently possess. Health, United States, 1996-97 and Injury Chartbook. Arch Inter Med. The Sixth Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.