Guideline for the pharmacological treatment of hypertension in adults

Overview

In this guideline, the World Health Organization (WHO) provides the most current and relevant evidence-based global public health guidance on the initiation of treatment with pharmacological agents for hypertension in adults. The recommendations target adult, non-pregnant patients who were appropriately diagnosed with hypertension and counselled about life-style modifications. The guideline provides new recommendations on the threshold for the initiation of pharmacological treatment for hypertension, as well as recommendations on intervals for follow up, target blood pressure to be achieved for control, and the cadre of health care workers who may initiate treatment. The guideline provides the basis for deciding whether to initiate treatment with monotherapy, dual therapy or single-pill combinations, as well as guidance for countries selecting medicines and algorithms for hypertension control for their national guidelines for hypertension management.

Related content

•  Web annex A: summary of evidence

• Web annex B: evidence-to-decision frameworks