Review of the Joint National Committee's Recommendations in the Management of Hypertension

Hypertension (HTN) is a common condition observed in primary care. The disease is associated with morbidity, mortality, and cost. The purpose of this article is to present the latest treatment and management of HTN with emphasis on the newly published Eighth Joint National Committee (JNC 8) treatment guidelines. The new JNC 8 guidelines reflect pharmacologic treatment of HTN in adults 18 years and older. The new guidelines are limited to the treatment of HTN in the general population and those with diabetes mellitus or chronic kidney disease.