New Blood Pressure Guidelines Expand Definition of hypertension, Offer Personalized risk Assessment
WASHINGTON – Updated guidelines for high blood pressure are expected to impact millions more Americans, broadening the definition of hypertension and emphasizing a personalized approach to treatment. The American Heart Association recommends eight essential health behaviors for controlling blood pressure and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep (seven to nine hours per night).
The new guidelines utilize a tool called the PREVENT calculator, which is free and available online to the general public, to provide both patients and providers with an assessment of overall risk. It is particularly helpful for individuals with multiple chronic conditions such as hypertension,high cholesterol,overweight/obesity,or diabetes.
Doctors are now encouraged to have patients monitor their blood pressure at home to gain a more thorough understanding of daily fluctuations. Furthermore, the guidelines advocate for a more aggressive approach to treating high blood pressure, a meaningful risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
According to William Cornwell, an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, the personalized approach facilitated by the PREVENT calculator represents a key advancement in medical care.
The American Heart Association’s eight essential health behaviors also include controlling weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
