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Essential hypertension — ABFM Board MCQ

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ModerateCardiovascularEssential hypertensionABFM Board

At a wellness visit, a 52-year-old man has blood pressures of 152/94 mm Hg and 150/92 mm Hg. He has no symptoms, no known cardiovascular disease, and a normal basic metabolic panel. Home blood pressure readings over the past week average 148/91 mm Hg. Which of the following would you advise this patient?

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Correct answer: E — Start antihypertensive medication plus lifestyle modification

Stage 2 hypertension confirmed outside the office warrants pharmacologic treatment along with lifestyle measures. Emergency referral is not indicated without acute target-organ symptoms.

Reference: ACC/AHA Primary Prevention Guideline: https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2019/03/07/16/00/2019-acc-aha-guideline-on-primary-prevention-gl-prevention