The complete text of the JNC VI report will be published in the November 25 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine . These risk groups are based on the presence of risk factors like high blood cholesterol and on related organ damage. By contrast, the earlier guidelines suggested that such patients should try lifestyle changes for only three to six months before starting medication. Regardless of risk group, JNC VI recommends lifestyle changes for all patients on drug therapy. About 50 million U.S. adults have hypertension.
Untreated hypertension can damage the kidneys and lead to stroke, heart attack and heart failure.
The systolic pressure is the pressure of blood in the vessels when the heart contracts. Diastolic pressure is the pressure of the blood between heartbeats when the heart is at rest. For patients with uncomplicated hypertension, JNC VI recommends diuretics and beta blockers as the first line of treatment. Other drugs, sometimes in combination with diuretics or beta blockers, are available to treat patients with complications. For the first time, the hypertension guidelines establish compelling indications for specific drugs when patients have certain clinical conditions.