Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which is the leading risk factor for heart failure, stroke, and coronary artery disease.
In mid-August, the American Heart Association, American College of Cardiology, and the American Medical Association unveiled new guidelines for managing high blood pressure. One thing is certain: This time they’re pushing for a more holistic, individualized approach.
What might be most striking is that the guidelines confirm that hypertension isn’t just a heart issue, it’s a brain issue, too.
According to the American Heart Association, there is stronger proof now that high blood pressure is linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
The new guidelines, which urge a more aggressive approach, recommend earlier, more personalized intervention that goes beyond just medication. In addition to incorporation of a new PREVENT risk calculator that helps physicians access risk more accurately, a lifestyle overhaul is front and center in the new guidelines.
Among the recommendations:
- Limit salt intake to ideally less than 1,500 mg (or 2/3 tablespoon of salt) per day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Increase physical activity.
- Follow a heart healthy eating pattern like DASH, which emphasizes reduced sodium and plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and low-fat or nonfat dairy, and includes lean meats and poultry, fish and cooking with non-tropical oils.
- Reduce or eliminate alcohol intake.
- Monitor blood pressure at home.
- Normal blood pressure is <120/<80.
So why do these new guidelines matter? They give physicians and patients earlier, more accurate, and more individualized intervention standards. In addition, they incorporate the latest research and findings into actionable items to help us live longer, healthier lives.
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