Externally Peer Reviewed Approximately 50 million Americans have blood pressure elevations that warrant monitoring or drug therapy. These persons are at increased risk for coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, renal disease, and retinopathy.
Treatment of hypertension is very effective.
Blood pressure measurements should be performed on adults at least every 2 years and at each patient visit if possible. Patients with diastolic blood pressures of 85 to 89 mm Hg should have their blood pressure rechecked within 1 year. See Tables 28.1 and 28.2 for classification of blood pressure and recommendations for follow-up. Screening Instruct patients not to use tobacco or caffeine for 30 minutes before the measurement is performed. Seat the patient in a quiet environment, free from temperature extremes, for at least 5 minutes before the measurement is performed.