Hypertension, diabetes and blood pressure targets: ongoing challenges

Blood pressure is a variable and quantitative trait, with a normal blood pressure defined as lower than 120/80mmHg and hypertension defined when systolic blood pressure is higher than 140mmHg and diastolic blood pressure is higher than 90mmHg. These definitions are based in large part on blood pressure distribution and in the population and levels above which blood pressure-related cardiovascular and renal complications develop. Accordingly, major hypertension guidelines suggest that treatment targets should be lower than 140/90mmHg [1–3].