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March 15, 2004 Table of Contents

POINT-OF-CARE GUIDES
Initial Evaluation of Hypertension
Mark H. Ebell, M.D., M.S., Athens, Georgia
Am Fam Physician. 2004 Mar 15;69(6):1485-1487.

Evidence Summary
The Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure
recently released its seventh report (JNC 7).1 This guideline takes a largely evidence-based approach to the
development of recommendations. Key changes from the previous guideline (JNC VI, 1997) include the
addition of a “prehypertension” category, revised recommendations for patients with important
comorbidities, and the recognition that most patients need at least two drugs to control their hypertension.

An executive summary of the JNC 7 report is available online

(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/express.pdf). The guideline also is discussed in an
editorial2 and a practice guideline3 summary that appeared in the July 15, 2003, issue of American Family
Physician.

The JNC 7 report provides a two-page quick-reference card

(http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/phycard.pdf). This guide takes that card one step
further by presenting a two-page evidence-based encounter form for the initial evaluation of the patient with
hypertension. The form begins with a focused history that helps the physician assess the patient for
cardiovascular risk factors, target-organ damage, and secondary causes of hypertension. The directed physical
examination also focuses on possible causes of secondary hypertension, such as renovascular disease, heart
failure, and Cushing’s disease. It also helps the physician identify signs of target-organ damage, such as
peripheral vascular disease.

A directed laboratory evaluation completes the survey for target-organ damage and the initial evaluation for
secondary hypertension. It should be noted that the JNC 7 report recommends pursuing more invasive
testing only in the following circumstances: if the initial evaluation raises suspicion for secondary causes; if
the patient’s hypertension is difficult to control; if blood pressure responds poorly to drug therapy; or if onset
of hypertension is sudden.
Another section of the encounter form provides target blood pressures, lists recommendations for lifestyle
changes, and provides a place for the physician to record the initial choice of drug therapy (if any) and a
recommendation for follow-up.

The encounter form also provides several support tools:

 A list of secondary causes of hypertension and suggested tests for initial evaluation of these conditions
 A guide for initial drug selection based on comorbidities
 Usual dosages of commonly used generic drugs
 A table for quickly determining body mass index
Use of this encounter form should make it easier for family physicians to provide care that is consistent with
the JNC 7 guidelines, resulting in improved outcomes for their patients.

Hypertension Encounter Form

Encounter form developed by Mark H. Ebell, M.D., M.S., Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East
Lansing. Copyright © 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians may photocopy or adapt for use in
their own practices; all other rights reserved. “Point-of-Care Guides.” Ebell MH. American Family Physician. March
15, 2004;69:1485–7. Accessible online at: http://www.aafp.org/2004/0315/pocform.html.
Mark H. Ebell, M.D., M.S., is in private practice in Athens, Ga., and is associate professor in the Department of
Family Practice at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing. He is also deputy editor for
evidence-based medicine of American Family Physician.
Address correspondence to Mark H. Ebell, M.D., M.S., 330 Snapfinger Dr., Athens, GA 30605 (e-mail:
ebell@msu.edu). Reprints are not available from the author.

REFERENCES
1. Chobanian AV, Bakris GL, Black HR, Cushman WC, Green LA, Izzo JL, et al. Seventh Report of the Joint
National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Hypertension.
2003;42:1206–52.
2. Green L. JNC 7 Express: new thinking in hypertension treatment [Editorial]. Am Fam Physician.
2003;68:228,230.
3. Ressel GW, NHLBI. . NHLBI releases new high blood pressure guidelines. [Prac Guide]. Am Fam Physician.
2003;68:376,379

This guide is one in a series that offers evidence-based tools to assist family physicians in improving their decision-
making at the point of care. The series is published in partnership with Family Practice Management. A related article,
which also includes the hypertension encounter form, appears in the March issue of FPM, pages 79–81.

Copyright © 2004 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

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