The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) released its final recommendation statement on screening for hypertension in adults on Oct. 13.
As the age of the U.S. population has risen, so has the prevalence of high blood pressure.
To combat the rise in hypertension cases, clinicians have begun proactively educating their patients about the risks of heart attacks, strokes and kidney and heart failure - all of which are greater in patients with high blood pressure.
Researchers from USPSTF found that screening patients over the age of 18 for hypertension can have a significant and positive effect on health outcomes.
"We have clear evidence that blood pressure screening has a substantial benefit for adults," USPSTF Member Mark Ebell said. "Screening patients, and following through with appropriate treatments, can help prevent strokes, heart attacks and other health conditions."
Additionally, the task force recommended physicians use measurements outside of the clinical setting for the definitive diagnosis of hypertension. The task force said blood pressure monitoring was the best method to confirm a diagnosis outside a clinical setting.
Researchers recommended patients use at-home blood pressure monitors, a variety of which are available at major discount stores and pharmacies.
The USPSTF report is available online at www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
