National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association 2023 Guidelines on the Management of Hypertension

Background: Hypertension is a highly prevalent disease in Saudi Arabia with poor control rates. Updated guidelines are needed to guide the management of hypertension and improve treatment outcomes.

Methodology: A panel of experts representing the National Heart Center (NHC) and the Saudi Heart Association (SHA) reviewed existing evidence and formulated guidance relevant to the local population, clinical practice and the healthcare system. The recommendations were reviewed to ensure scientific and medical accuracy.

Recommendations: Hypertension was defined and a new classification was proposed as relevant to the Saudi population. Recommendations on diagnosis, clinical evaluation, cardiovascular assessment were detailed, along with guidance on measurement modalities and screening/follow-up. Non-pharmacological management is the first line of hypertension treatment. Pharmacological therapy should be used appropriately as needed. Treatment priority is to control blood pressure regardless of the drug class used. The choice of treatment should be tailored to the patient profile in order to achieve treatment targets and ensure patient compliance. Recommendations were provided on pharmacological options available in Saudi Arabia, as well as guidance on the treatment of special conditions.

Conclusion: Hypertension management should be based on appropriate screening, timely diagnosis and lifestyle changes supplemented with pharmacological therapy, as needed. Clinical management should be individualized, and careful consideration should be given to special conditions and patient groups.