This guideline covers identifying and treating primary hypertension (high blood pressure) in people aged 18 and over, including people with type 2 diabetes. It aims to reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks and strokes by helping healthcare professionals to diagnose hypertension accurately and treat it effectively. In March 2022, we updated the guideline.

We have:

reviewed the evidence and made a new recommendation on blood pressure targets for people who have both hypertension and cardiovascular disease. reassessed evidence on antihypertensive drug treatment from the previous version of this guideline (without a new evidence review) and made a new recommendation to cover people who have both hypertension and cardiovascular disease. See update information for a full explanation of what has been updated. NICE has also produced a guideline on hypertension in pregnancy.