Harmonization of the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology/ European Society of Hypertension Blood Pressure/Hypertension Guidelines

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension clinical practice guidelines for management of high blood pressure/hypertension are influential documents. Both guidelines are comprehensive, were developed using rigorous processes, and underwent extensive peer review. The most notable difference between the 2 guidelines is the blood pressure cut points recommended for the diagnosis of hypertension. There are also differences in the timing and intensity of treatment, with the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guideline recommending a somewhat more intensive approach. Overall, there is substantial concordance in the recommendations provided by the 2 guideline-writing committees, with greater congruity between them than their predecessors. Additional harmonization of future guidelines would help to underscore the commonality of their core recommendations and could serve to catalyze changes in practice that would lead to improved prevention, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension, worldwide.

Automated summary

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association and 2018 European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension guidelines for managing high blood pressure have significant influence. While there are differences in the recommended blood pressure cut points and treatment approach, overall there is substantial agreement between the two guideline-writing committees. Harmonization of future guidelines would enhance the commonality of their core recommendations and encourage better prevention, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension worldwide.