
Home monitoring and personalized care: NICE updates high blood pressure guidelines
NICE has updated guidance on diagnosing and treating high blood pressure, prioritizing home BP monitoring and individualized treatment. If the average of home readings is under 135/85 mmHg, you may not need treatment for several months; higher readings call for lifestyle changes (weight loss, more exercise, reduced salt and alcohol, stop smoking) and, if needed, medication. First-line drugs usually include ACE inhibitors/ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, or diuretics, with choice guided by age and ethnicity (CCB for those over 55 or Black individuals; ACEi/ARB for those under 55 or with diabetes). The target is a home BP under 135/85 (rising to under 145/85 for those over 80), along with follow-up investigations and ensured adherence.










