Implementation of the 2017 AHA Guidelines by Primary Care Providers in Managing Elevated Blood Pressure a Modifiable Risk Factor of Stroke

Elevated blood pressure is a condition in which systolic blood pressure is 120-129 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is less than 80 mmHg, according to the CDC (2020), which points out that elevated blood pressure often leads to hypertension. In 2017, The American Heart Association (AHA) released guidelines to aid providers in the early detection and management of hypertension. These guidelines integrate nonpharmacological and pharmacological therapies. The nonpharmacological therapies include following a heart-healthy diet, weight loss, sodium restriction, limitation of alcohol and tobacco consumption, and increased physical activity (AHA, 2018). Hypertension, “the silent killer” is one of the major causes of premature death (WHO, 2019). The review of literature indicates the importance of lifestyle changes for treatment (Doubova et al., 2016). However, primary care providers are reluctant to diagnose younger patients with high blood pressure (Johnson, 2017). The purpose of this study was to determine if primary care provides are treating patients 18 years old or older with elevated blood pressure per the AHA’s 2017 guidelines. The data collected could bring awareness to the 2017 AHA Hypertension guidelines and promote the adherence of these guidelines by primary care providers in reducing elevated blood pressure and preventing hypertension