CONTINUING ADVANCES IN HYPERTENSION - THE JOINT NATIONAL COMMITTEES 5TH REPORT

This report focuses on the new features of the Joint National Committe e's most recent report (JNC-5) on the detection, evaluation and treatm ent of hypertension. It highlights the new classification of hypertens ion based on stages of the disease, and the recent demonstration that primary prevention of hypertension is feasible and practicable, and it provides a rationale for its recommendations on the selection of init ial therapy for the treatment of hypertension. The latter discussion a lso provides a reasoned response to certain related issues that have e ngendered controversy relating to these recommendations.