High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the US, making it the #1 preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. A new joint guideline from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology advises earlier treatment with lifestyle modification and medications as appropriate. The goal is to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, cognitive decline, and dementia.
The guideline recommends healthy lifestyle behaviors such as eating a nutritious diet, being physically active, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight. These behaviors can help lower blood pressure and prevent cardiovascular disease.
The new guideline also uses the PREVENT risk calculator to estimate a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease. This tool combines measures of cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health to provide more precise risk estimates.
For pregnant women with high blood pressure, the guideline recommends treatment with certain medications when systolic blood pressure reaches 140 mmHg or higher. Postpartum care is also crucial in preventing complications.
By following these guidelines and adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors, individuals can manage their high blood pressure and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. It’s essential to be aware of recommended blood pressure goals and understand how medication use and lifestyle changes can help achieve optimal health.
Source: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-high-blood-pressure-guideline-emphasizes-prevention-early-treatment-to-reduce-cvd-risk