What is the recommended systolic blood pressure threshold for initiating treatment in adults over the age of 60 according to JNC 8?

What is the recommended systolic blood pressure threshold for initiating treatment in adults over the age of 60 according to JNC 8?

• A. 160/100 mmHg
• B. 150/90 mmHg
• C. 140/90 mmHg
• D. 130/80 mmHg

Answer: (B)

The recommended systolic blood pressure threshold for initiating treatment in adults over the age of 60, according to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8), is indeed set at 150/90 mmHg. This guideline reflects updated evidence indicating that treatment can be started when systolic blood pressure reaches or exceeds 150 mmHg for this age group, aiming to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events while also considering the potential side effects and the overall health status of older adults. This recommendation acknowledges the balance needed in managing hypertension in older populations, recognizing that aggressive treatment to lower blood pressure below this threshold might not always provide additional benefits and could lead to complications like falls or kidney issues due to overly aggressive lowering of blood pressure. The other blood pressure thresholds provided in the options are not recommended for initiating treatment in people over 60 years old, according to JNC 8. Specifically, 160/100 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg are lower thresholds for interventions that may apply to younger individuals or specific patient populations, while 130/80 mmHg aligns more closely with guidelines for younger adults or for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.

The recommended systolic blood pressure threshold for initiating treatment in adults over the age of 60, according to the Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8), is indeed set at 150/90 mmHg. This guideline reflects updated evidence indicating that treatment can be started when systolic blood pressure reaches or exceeds 150 mmHg for this age group, aiming to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events while also considering the potential side effects and the overall health status of older adults.

This recommendation acknowledges the balance needed in managing hypertension in older populations, recognizing that aggressive treatment to lower blood pressure below this threshold might not always provide additional benefits and could lead to complications like falls or kidney issues due to overly aggressive lowering of blood pressure.

The other blood pressure thresholds provided in the options are not recommended for initiating treatment in people over 60 years old, according to JNC 8. Specifically, 160/100 mmHg and 140/90 mmHg are lower thresholds for interventions that may apply to younger individuals or specific patient populations, while 130/80 mmHg aligns more closely with guidelines for younger adults or for those at high risk of cardiovascular disease.