Orange County, CA - July 20th, 2018 - High blood pressure (HBP) is a common disease in which blood flows through blood vessels, or arteries, at higher than normal pressures. HBP, also known as Hypertension happens when the force of blood that pushes against the walls of your arteries is too high. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has no symptoms until after it has done significant damage to the heart and arteries. Hypertension is accounted for more heart disease and stroke deaths than almost all other preventable causes.
The new scientific medical guidelines lower the threshold of this dangerous condition. It adds 30 million more Americans to those who have the condition which now plagues nearly half of U.S. adults. The guidelines set new categories and get rid of prehypertension.
High blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130 mm Hg and higher for the systolic blood pressure measurement, or readings of 80 and higher for the diastolic measurement. That is a change from the old definition of 140/90 and higher, reflecting complications that happen at lower numbers.
The guideline was published in the AHA’s journal Hypertension. It is the first comprehensive guideline since 2003. This makes sure doctors and patients understand how to accurately measure blood pressure and diagnose hypertension. "Most of them just need to know they're at high risk, but they can manage that problem on their own," said Dr. Paul Whelton, a Tulane University physician who led the guidelines panel.
- Normal: Under 120 over 80
- Elevated: Top number 120-129 and bottom less than 80
- Stage 1: Top of 130-139 or bottom of 80-89
- Stage 2: Top at least 140 or bottom at least 90
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The new guideline was developed by the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology and nine other health professional organizations. They were written by a panel of 21 scientists and health experts who reviewed more than 900 published studies.
The guideline gives the suggestion of quitting cigarettes, weight loss, cutting back on alcohol, and increasing daily physical activity. It also recommends a heart-healthy diet which includes reducing salt intake and incorporating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, avocados, potatoes, and dark leafy vegetables.
