GREEN BAY — The American Heart Association (AHA) has released guidelines for the management of high blood pressure, underscoring the critical need for earlier intervention and a holistic approach to cardiovascular health. These new recommendations, unveiled in August, aim to improve outcomes for nearly half of U.S. adults affected by hypertension, a leading cause of death both nationally and globally.
The updated guidelines maintain the blood pressure categories established in 2017:
Normal: less than 120/80 mm Hg
Elevated: 120-129 mm Hg systolic and less than 80 mm Hg diastolic
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 mm Hg systolic or 80-89 mm Hg diastolic
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 mm Hg or higher systolic or 90 mm Hg or higher diastolic
While the thresholds remain unchanged, the AHA and the American College of Cardiology now advocate for earlier treatment strategies that combine lifestyle modifications with medication when appropriate. This shift reflects growing evidence that timely management can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and related complications.
A key feature of the new guidelines is the integration of the AHA’s PREVENT risk calculator, a novel tool that estimates an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease by incorporating measures of heart, kidney, and metabolic health. This comprehensive risk assessment enables healthcare providers to tailor interventions more precisely to each patient’s needs.
The guidelines also highlight the connection between high blood pressure and cognitive decline, including dementia, emphasizing the importance of blood pressure control for brain health. Additionally, they recommend updated laboratory testing protocols during initial evaluations, including assessments of kidney function to better understand the impact of hypertension on overall health.
Recognizing advances in weight loss treatment, the AHA now includes newer medications such as GLP-1s as potential options for overweight or obese patients with high blood pressure, expanding the arsenal of treatment options available.
Proactive blood pressure management is a huge factor, according to Dr. James Rider, Emplify Health by Bellin Cardiologist, “monitoring your blood pressure regularly is essential. Alongside maintaining a heart-healthy diet and staying physically active, it’s important to have open conversations with your healthcare provider about whether medication might be necessary. Early intervention can make a significant difference in preventing serious health issues down the road.”
The updated guidelines reinforce the vital role of healthy lifestyle behaviors – such as nutritious eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight – in managing blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular risk.
For more information on the new blood pressure guidelines and tips for heart health, please visit the American Heart Association’s website or consult your healthcare provider.