Final answer:
According to JNC 8, the blood pressure goal is to reduce it to less than 140/90 mmHg without lowering diastolic pressure below 60 mmHg. Hypertension can lead to serious complications, and the newer ACC/AHA guidelines suggest earlier intervention. Beta blockers are often used in treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blood pressure goal according to JNC 8 is typically to reduce blood pressure to less than 140/90 mmHg, being careful not to lower diastolic blood pressure below 60 mmHg. Hypertension is a clinical condition characterized by persistently high blood pressure, specifically when readings are at or above 140/90 mmHg. Prehypertension is defined as blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/90 mmHg.
Elevated blood pressure over time can lead to serious health issues, including heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. According to the newer guidelines by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is considered less than 120/80 mm Hg. Treatment is now recommended when blood pressure reaches 130/80 mm Hg.