High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.

In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association released new guidelines on hypertension, which redefined the criteria for diagnosing and managing the condition.

What is Systolic Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of arteries as it flows through them. It is measured by two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure.

Systolic pressure is the pressure in arteries when the heart beats, while diastolic pressure is the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. The new guidelines focus primarily on systolic pressure, which reflects the risk of cardiovascular disease more strongly than diastolic pressure.

What are the New Guidelines for Systolic Pressure?

The new guidelines define hypertension as a systolic pressure of 130 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg or higher.

The previous guidelines defined hypertension as a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher. The lower threshold for systolic pressure reflects accumulating evidence that blood pressure levels previously considered normal or prehypertensive are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

According to the new guidelines, blood pressure categories are:.

Normal: systolic pressure less than 120 mm Hg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg
Elevated: systolic pressure between 120-129 mm Hg and diastolic pressure less than 80 mm Hg
Hypertension Stage 1: systolic pressure between 130-139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure between 80-89 mm Hg
Hypertension Stage 2: systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher

People with hypertension require lifestyle changes and medical treatment to lower their blood pressure and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

The new guidelines emphasize the importance of non-drug interventions, such as weight loss, healthy diet, physical activity, and sodium restriction, as the first-line therapy for hypertension.

What are the Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure can be caused by several factors, including:.

Age: Blood pressure tends to rise with age
Family history: Hypertension tends to run in families
Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop hypertension before age 55. After age 55, women are at higher risk
Race: African Americans have higher rates of hypertension and are at greater risk of complications
Obesity: Excess body weight increases the workload on the heart and blood vessels
Inactivity: Lack of physical activity can increase the risk of hypertension
Tobacco use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can raise blood pressure temporarily and damage blood vessels
Excessive alcohol consumption: Regular high consumption of alcohol can raise blood pressure and damage the heart and liver
Stress: Chronic stress or high levels of stress hormones can increase blood pressure
Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, can increase the risk of hypertension

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

High blood pressure is usually diagnosed with a blood pressure measurement taken at a healthcare provider’s office or clinic.

The measurement is taken with a device called a sphygmomanometer, which consists of a cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated to briefly stop blood flow. The provider then listens to the pulse with a stethoscope while releasing the cuff pressure to detect the systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The measurement should be repeated at least twice, on separate occasions, before diagnosing hypertension.

What are the Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure?

People with hypertension typically require a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to manage their blood pressure effectively. The new guidelines recommend the following treatments:.

Lifestyle changes: These include weight loss, healthy diet, physical activity, sodium restriction, alcohol moderation, tobacco cessation, and stress management. The goal is to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce salt intake, eat more fruits and vegetables, limit saturated and trans fats, engage in regular aerobic and resistance exercise, avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, limit alcohol consumption, and practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Medications: There are several classes of medications that may be prescribed for hypertension, such as diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and renin inhibitors. The choice of medication depends on the individual’s blood pressure level, age, gender, race, medical history, and other factors. It is important to take medications as prescribed and to follow up with a healthcare provider regularly to monitor blood pressure and adjust treatment as needed.

How Can High Blood Pressure be Prevented?

Preventing hypertension is key to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. The following tips may help prevent high blood pressure:.

Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products
Reduce sodium intake by using less salt, choosing low-sodium foods, and avoiding processed foods
Limited alcohol consumption
Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Engage in regular aerobic and resistance exercise
Manage stress with relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
Follow up with a healthcare provider regularly to monitor blood pressure and other health conditions

Conclusion

High blood pressure is a common health problem that can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

The new guidelines for systolic pressure provide a lower threshold for diagnosing hypertension and emphasize the importance of non-drug interventions as the first-line therapy for the condition. People with hypertension require lifestyle changes and medical treatment to manage their blood pressure effectively and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease.

Preventing hypertension through healthy lifestyle habits is crucial for maintaining optimal health and well-being.