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Table 2 Population-intervention-comparator specifications of reference recommendations

From: Concordance of recommendations across clinical practice guidelines for the management of hypertension in Southeast Asia with internationally reputable sources

Code1

Population

Intervention

Comparator

ACC-1

ESC-1

All patients

Blood pressure measurement with specific instructions on  cuff size and body position of patients

Blood pressure measurement without specific instructions

ACC-2

ESC-2

Adults with suspected hypertension

Diagnosis based on at least 2 blood pressure measurements per office visit from at least 2 office visits

Diagnosis based on single blood pressure measurement and/or single office visit

ACC-3

Adults with suspected hypertension

Diagnosis based on the office (non-automated) systolic blood pressure measurement of > 130 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure measurement of > 80 mm Hg

Diagnosis based on thresholds other than systolic blood pressure measurement of > 130 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure measurement of > 80 mm Hg

ESC-3

Adults with suspected hypertension

Diagnosis based on the office (non-automated) systolic blood pressure measurement of > 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure measurement of > 90 mm Hg

Diagnosis based on thresholds other than systolic blood pressure measurement of > 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure measurement of > 90 mm Hg

ACC-4

Adults with suspected hypertension but without diagnostic uncertainty and blood pressure variability

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension

Diagnosis based on office blood pressure measurements alone

ACC-5

Adults with suspected hypertension but without diagnostic uncertainty and blood pressure variability

Home blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension

Diagnosis based on office blood pressure measurements alone

ACC-6

ESC-4

Adults with suspected hypertension but with diagnostic uncertainty

Performance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension

No performance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension

ESC-5

Adults with suspected blood pressure variability

Performance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension

No performance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to confirm the diagnosis of hypertension

ACC-7

ESC-6

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline blood chemistry (sodium, potassium, creatinine)

No performance of baseline blood chemistry

ACC-8

ESC-7

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline fasting blood glucose level test

No performance of baseline fasting blood glucose level test

ACC-9

ESC-8

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline fasting lipid profile test

No performance of baseline fasting lipid profile test

ACC-10

ESC-9

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline dipstick urinalyis for the detection of blood and protein

No performance of baseline dipstick urinalyis

ACC-11

ESC-10

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline electrocardiography

No performance of baseline electrocardiography

ACC-12

ESC-11

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline serum hemoglobin or hematocrit level test

No performance of baseline serum hemoglobin or hematocrit level test

ACC-13

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline serum calcium level test

No performance of baseline serum calcium level test 

ACC-14

ESC-12

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of baseline serum uric acid level test

No performance of baseline serum uric acid level test

ESC-13

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of urine testing for albumin: creatinine ratio to quantify baseline albumin level

No performance of urine testing to quantify baseline albumin level

ACC-15

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Performance of urine testing for albumin: creatinine ratio to quantify baseline albumin level

Performance of 24-h urine testing to quantify baseline albumin level

ACC-16

ESC-14

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension

Targeted screening for potential underlying causes of secondary hypertension

No screening for potential underlying causes of secondary hypertension

ACC-17

ESC-15

Adults newly diagnosed with hypertension and with suspected structural heart disease

Performance of baseline echocardiography

No performance of baseline echocardiography

ACC-18

ESC-16

Adults with hypertension and concurrent overweight/obesity

Counseling for weight loss

No counseling for weight loss

ACC-19

ESC-17

Adults with hypertension

Counseling for dietary modifications

No counseling for dietary modifications

ACC-20

ESC-18

Adults with hypertension

Counseling for regular physical activity

No counseling for regular physical activity

ACC-21

ESC-19

Adults with hypertension who smoke

Counseling for smoking cessation

No counseling for smoking cessation

ACC-22

ESC-20

Adults with hypertension

Counseling for salt/sodium restriction

No counseling for salt/sodium restriction

ACC-23

ESC-21

Adults with hypertension and heavy alcohol consumption

Counseling to moderate alcohol consumption

No counseling on alcohol consumption

ACC-24

Adults age 18–60 years with hypertension but without diabetes, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ESC-22

Adults age 18–60 years with hypertension but without diabetes, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease

Goal blood pressure of < 140/90 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-25

Adults age 60–80 years with hypertension but without diabetes, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ESC-23

Adults age 60–80 years with hypertension but without diabetes, coronary artery disease, and chronic kidney disease

Goal blood pressure of < 140/90 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-26

Adults age > 50 years with increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Goal systolic blood pressure of < 130 mm Hg

Other goal systolic blood pressure

ACC-27

Adults age > 75–80 years with hypertension

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Higher goal blood pressure

ESC-24

Adults age > 75–80 years with hypertension

Goal blood pressure of < 140/90 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-28

Adults with hypertension and concurrent diabetes

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ESC-25

Adults with hypertension and concurrent diabetes

Goal blood pressure of < 140/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-29

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease but without proteinuria and diabetes

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ESC-26

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease but without proteinuria and diabetes

Goal blood pressure of < 140/90 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-30

ESC-27

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease with proteinuria

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-31

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease and diabetes

Goal blood pressure of < 130/80 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ESC-28

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease and diabetes

Goal blood pressure of < 140/90 mm Hg

Other goal blood pressure

ACC-32

ESC-29

Adults age < 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Thiazide diuretics as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending thiazide diuretics as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-33

ESC-30

Adults age ≥ 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Thiazide diuretics as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending thiazide diuretics as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-34

ESC-31

Adults age < 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-35

ESC-32

Adults age ≥ 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-36

ESC-33

Adults age < 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-37

ESC-34

Adults age ≥ 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-38

ESC-35

Adults age < 60 years with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Calcium channel blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending calcium channel blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-39

ESC-36

Adults age ≥ 60 years of age with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Calcium channel blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending calcium channel blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-40

Adults with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Not recommending beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ESC-37

Adults with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-41

ESC-38

Adults with hypertension but with no comorbidity requiring initial pharmacotherapy

Thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, or calcium channel blockers are preferred over beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Beta-blockers as equally preferred option as thiazide diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, and calcium channel blockers for first-line therapy

ACC-42

ESC-39

Adults with hypertension and concurrent diabetes

ACE inhibitors or ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors or ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-43

Adults with hypertension and concurrent diabetes

ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, or thiazide diuretics as the preferred option for first-line therapy

Other drug therapies are preferred over ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, or thiazide diuretics as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-44

ESC-40

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease

ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-45

ESC-41

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease

ARBs as equally preferred option as ACE inhibitors for first-line therapy

ACE inhibitors are preferred over ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-46

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease but without moderately increased albuminuria

Thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers as equally preferred option as ACE inhibitors or ARBs for first-line therapy

ACE inhibitors or ARBs are preferred over thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-47

ESC-42

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease with at least moderately increased albuminuria

ACE inhibitors or ARBs as the preferred option for first-line therapy

Drug therapies other than ACE inhibitors or ARBs as equally or more preferred option for first-line therapy

ACC-48

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease intolerant to ACE inhibitors

ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-49

Adults with hypertension and concurrent chronic kidney disease intolerant to ACE inhibitors

ARBs as the preferred option for first-line therapy

Drug therapies other than ARBs as equally or more preferred option for first-line therapy

ACC-50

ESC-43

Adults with hypertension and concurrent coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) but without prior acute coronary syndrome

ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-51

Adults with hypertension and prior acute coronary syndrome

ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-52

ESC-44

Adults with hypertension and concurrent coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) but without prior acute coronary syndrome

ARBs as equally preferred option as ACE inhibitors for first-line therapy

ACE inhibitors are preferred over ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-53

Adults with hypertension and prior acute coronary syndrome

ARBs as equally preferred option as ACE inhibitors for first-line therapy

ACE inhibitors are preferred over ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ESC-45

Adults with hypertension and concurrent coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) but without prior acute coronary syndrome

Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers as equally or more preferred option than ACE inhibitors or ARBs for first-line therapy

ACE inhibitors or ARBs are preferred over beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ESC-46

Adults with hypertension and prior acute coronary syndrome

Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs as the preferred option for first-line therapy

Other drug therapies as equally or more preferred option than beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or ARBs for first-line therapy

ACC-54

ESC-47

Adults with hypertension and concurrent coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) but without prior acute coronary syndrome intolerant to ACE inhibitors

ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-55

Adults with hypertension and prior acute coronary syndrome intolerant to ACE inhibitors

ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

ESC-48

Adults with hypertension and concurrent coronary artery disease (ischemic heart disease) but without prior acute coronary syndrome intolerant to ACE inhibitors

Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers as the preferred option for first-line therapy

ARBs as equally or more preferred option than beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers for first-line therapy

ACC-56

ESC-49

Adults with hypertension and recent acute coronary syndrome

Beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-57

ESC-50

Adults with hypertension and concurrent heart failure

ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ACE inhibitors as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-58

ESC-51

Adults with hypertension and concurrent heart failure

Beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending beta-blockers as an option for first-line therapy

ACC-59

Adults with hypertension and concurrent heart failure intolerant to ACE inhibitors

ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

Not recommending ARBs as an option for first-line therapy

  1. ACE: Angiotensin-converting enzyme; ARB: Angiotensin II receptor blocker
  2. 1Reference recommendations with code starting with ACC were generated from the 2017 ACC/AHA hypertension guideline [22] whereas reference recommendations with code starting with ESC were generated from the 2018 ESC/ESH hypertension guideline [23]