For last week’s practice question, we quizzed the new ADA 2023 standards on hypertension. 48% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question

Question:

The new 2023 ADA Standards of Care are out, and they include several important clinical updates that are critical for our practice and certification exams.

What best represents the updated definition of hypertension in the 2023 Standards?

Answer Choices:

1. Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.
2. Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 and a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.
3. Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90.
4. Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.

Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is correct. 48.07% chose this BEST answer – GREAT JOB. According to Standard 10, Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management, hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80. This is in agreement with the definition of hypertension by the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. People with diabetes and hypertension qualify for antihypertensive drug therapy when the blood pressure is persistently elevated and is greater than or equal to 130/80. The on-treatment target blood pressure goal is less than 130/80, if it can be safely attained.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 21.74% of you chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 130 and a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.” This is so close to being the being the best answer, but it is not accurate. If either the diastolic or systolic pressure meet the cut-off, the person is considered to have a blood pressure reading that is above target.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 16.89% of respondents chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90.” This was the definition of hypertension in the 2022 and older standards. The 2023 definition of hypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 13.29% chose this answer, “Hypertension is now defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 or a diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 80.” This is a blending of hypertension definition from the 2022 and 2023 standards. The 2023 definition of hypertension is blood pressure equal to or greater than 130/80.

Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.

Want to learn more about this question? Join us for our

Level 2 | ADA Standards of Care CE Course

This course, updated annually, is an essential review for anyone in the field of diabetes. Join Coach Beverly as she summarizes the updates to the American Diabetes Association’s Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes and provides critical teaching points and content for healthcare professionals involved in diabetes care and education.

Objectives:

1. List significant changes and updates to the ADA Standards of Medical Care.
2. State 3 updates on new blood pressure and lipid goals.
3. Identify 5 key elements of the position statement.
4. Discuss how to apply the Standards in the clinical setting and in preparation for exam success.

Intended Audience:  This course is a knowledge-based activity designed for individuals or groups of diabetes professionals, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with prediabetes, diabetes and other related conditions.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it live. Your registration guarantees access to the recorded version in the Online University.

All hours earned count toward your CDCES and BC-ADM Certification Accreditation Information