Weak for Reviewed, Deleted For patients with diabetes (all age groups), we recommend treating to a systolic blood pressure goal of <150 mmHg. Strong for Reviewed, Amended Recommendation 7 For patients with diabetes (all age groups) who tolerate antihypertensive drugs, we suggest treating to a systolic blood pressure goal of <140 mmHg. Weak for Reviewed, Amended Recommendation 8 For patients with diabetes, we recommend treating to a diastolic blood pressure goal <85 mmHg. Strong for Reviewed, Deleted We suggest that patients be seen within one month of initiation of lifestyle or pharmacological therapy to determine adequacy of hypertension control, degree of patient adherence, and presence of adverse effects. (Modified from 2004 VA/DoD HTN CPG without an updated systematic review of the evidence.) Weak for Reviewed, Deleted Once the patient s blood pressure is controlled, we suggest follow-up at least annually, or more frequently as indicated, depending on patient preference. (Modified from 2004 VA/DoD HTN CPG without an updated systematic review of the evidence.) Weak for Reviewed, Deleted We suggest taking into consideration the patient s baseline blood pressure and presence of comorbidities, when deciding on either monotherapy or combination therapy (two drugs) when initiating drug therapy. (Modified from 2004 VA/DoD HTN CPG without an updated systematic review of the evidence.) Weak for Reviewed, New- replaced 2014 Recommendation Text 2014 Strength of Recommendation Recommendation Category Recommendation Section Number Page We suggest initiating combination therapy for patients with a baseline systolic blood pressure of >20 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure of >10 mmHg above the patient s goal. (Modified from 2004 VA/DoD HTN CPG without an updated systematic review of the evidence.) Weak for Not reviewed, Deleted We recommend the use of thiazide-type diuretics for the treatment of hypertension. 