The Fifth Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC V)

THIS FIFTH Report of the Joint National Committee on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure—published on the 20th anniversary of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program—aims to contribute to progress in the primary prevention and control of high blood pressure. Like its predecessors, this document builds on the available scientific evidence regarding the detection, evaluation, and treatment of hypertension. More information is available today to guide clinicians and community programs in preventing and managing this important public health problem. However, this increase in information makes clinical choices increasingly complex. Thus, the need for consensus becomes even more important. The purpose of this report is to guide practicing physicians and other health professionals in their care of hypertensive patients and health professionals participating in the many community high blood pressure control programs. This report has several new features: • Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates for high blood