Question

A 52-year-old man with no past medical history has three office blood pressure readings over 3 months: 144/88, 138/86, and 142/90 mmHg. He brings a properly performed 7-day home blood pressure log showing an average of 138/86 mmHg. He has no target-organ damage. According to current Canadian recommendations, what is the most appropriate interpretation/next step?

Accepted Answer

Diagnose hypertension based on home readings and begin lifestyle plus pharmacologic therapy

Answer

Reassure him that his blood pressure is normal and recheck in 1 year

Answer

Repeat office blood pressure measurements over the next 6 months before diagnosing hypertension

Answer

Order ambulatory blood pressure monitoring because home readings are not sufficient for diagnosis

Answer

Ignore home readings and start drug therapy only if office BP exceeds 160/100 mmHg

Practice question