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Three medical organizations – the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology, and the American Society of Hypertension – have jointly issued a statement on treating high blood pressure in patients who have been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, stroke, or other forms of heart disease.
The scientific statement reinforces the target of <140/90mmHg to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack. A target of <130/80mmHg may be appropriate in some individuals with heart disease who have already experienced a stroke, heart attack, or a transient ischemic attack, or who have other cardiovascular conditions (eg, narrowing of leg arteries, abdominal aortic aneurysm).
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Clinicians are further recommended to lower blood pressure slowly in patients with coronary artery blockages; a diastolic blood pressure <60mmHg should be avoided especially in patients >60 years old. The statement also includes evidence-based recommendations and contraindications to aid clinicians in selecting antihypertensives in patients with various types of heart disease.
For more information visit Heart.org.
