What is the recommended blood pressure (BP) goal for patients under age 60?

The recommended blood pressure goal for patients under age 60 is 140/90 mmHg. This target aligns with guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA), which suggest treating hypertension to this level in younger adults to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and long-term health complications.

Achieving a blood pressure below this threshold can further lower risks, including stroke and heart disease, but the primary target established in these guidelines is 140/90 for this demographic. This target is designed to manage hypertension effectively while balancing the risks of aggressive treatment in younger patients, who might experience side effects from overly stringent control.

In contrast, a blood pressure goal of 130/80 mmHg, while lower, is typically recommended for more specific populations, such as those with certain comorbidities or older adults. Similarly, goals of 150/90 and 120/80 may be appropriate in different contexts or populations, but they do not apply to the general recommendation for those under 60 without additional conditions warranting a stricter approach.