AHA, ACC release new clinical guideline for managing hypertension in adults
The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have released a new clinical practice guideline on managing high blood pressure in adults, redefining hypertension as 130 mm Hg/80 mm Hg from the previous 140 mm Hg/90 mm Hg.
With this new definition of hypertension, approximately 14% more US adults are categorized as hypertensive (from 32% to 46%).
The new guideline, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology and in Hypertension, divides systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) into categories, giving patients a more specific definition of hypertension and the associated recommendations:
- Normal BP is defined as <120 mm Hg/<80 mm Hg. According to the guideline, this group of patients practices healthy living styles and should have yearly checks to monitor their BP.
- Elevated BP is defined as 120 to 129 mm Hg/<80 mm Hg. This group is advised to make healthy changes in lifestyle and to reassess their BP in 3 to 6 months.
- High BP is subcategorized into two stages:
- Stage 1: BP ranging from 130 to 139 mm Hg/80 to 89 mm Hg. Clinicians must assess 10-year heart disease and stroke risk. If the risk is <10%, the patient is highly encouraged to make immediate lifestyle changes, including medication with follow-ups until the BP is well-controlled.
- Stage 2: BP ≥140 mm Hg/≥90 mm Hg. Clinicians must stress lifestyle changes with 2 different classes of medications and monthly follow-ups until BP is well-controlled. Healthy life choices, according to the guideline, include quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy diet. Healthy life choices might also include medication and taking additional preventive risks for patients with higher, uncontrolled BP.
Filed under: General Problems
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