Which of the following is the TARGET for blood pressure control in adults with hypertension as per the NPCDCS guidelines in India?

Explanation

## Blood Pressure Control Targets — NPCDCS Framework **Key Point:** The NPCDCS adopts a **risk-stratified approach** to BP targets, recognizing that one-size-fits-all targets are neither evidence-based nor practical in resource-limited settings. ### NPCDCS BP Target Recommendations | Population Group | Target BP | Rationale | |------------------|-----------|----------| | **General adults** | < 140/90 mmHg | Standard target; reduces CV and renal events | | **High-risk groups** (diabetes, CKD, CAD, stroke history) | < 130/80 mmHg | Stricter control reduces organ damage | | **Elderly (≥ 60 years)** | < 140/90 mmHg | Aggressive lowering increases fall risk; standard target recommended | | **Pregnant women** | < 140/90 mmHg | Prevents maternal complications | **High-Yield:** The NPCDCS does NOT recommend universal < 120/80 mmHg targets (which is resource-intensive and increases adverse effects) nor does it relax targets to < 160/100 mmHg (which increases cardiovascular risk). ### Risk Stratification in NPCDCS **High-Risk Groups Requiring < 130/80 mmHg:** - Patients with diabetes mellitus - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) - Coronary artery disease (CAD) or prior MI - Cerebrovascular disease or prior stroke - Left ventricular hypertrophy **Clinical Pearl:** The NPCDCS emphasizes **stepped pharmacotherapy** — starting with a single agent and titrating based on response, rather than aggressive multi-drug regimens from the outset, to improve adherence and reduce side effects in the community setting. **Mnemonic:** **DHCS** — Diabetes, Heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Stroke → These groups get stricter BP targets (< 130/80). [cite:Park 26e Ch 8]