Under new standard, 30 million more Americans now have high blood pressure
In this June 6, 2013, file photo, a patient has her blood pressure checked by a registered nurse in Plainfield, Vt. New medical guidelines announced Monday, Nov. 13, 2017, lower the threshold for high blood pressure, adding 30 million Americans to those who have the condition. (AP Photo/Toby Talbot, File)
About 30 million more Americans may be surprised to learn they now have high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology changed the the guidelines for what is considered healthy blood pressure — amid growing evidence that even mildly high pressure can lead to heart disease.
The new threshold for stage one high blood pressure is 130 systolic over 80 diastolic, or 130/80. That’s 10 points lower than the previous standard, 140/90.
WellSpan Cardiologist Dr. Kevin McCullum says that doesn’t mean someone with, for example, systolic pressure of 135 will need medication. Especially for younger adults presenting with high blood pressure, changes in diet and exercise may be sufficient. McCullum says for some, decreasing stress as well as limiting caffeine, alcohol and sodium consumption, may also help to get a person’s blood pressure down to a healthy level.
He hopes the stricter standard will make more people aware of the risks of high blood pressure earlier in life. High blood pressure is a major contributor to heart disease, which is the most common cause of death worldwide. High blood pressure can also lead to stroke and kidney failure.
“High blood pressure truly is the silent killer, and recognizing it and treating it early, whether through medicines or lifestyle… is so well proven to prevent issues down the road,” McCullum says.
MORE: Learn how to get an accurate blood pressure reading
Brett Sholtis was a health reporter for WITF/Transforming Health until early 2023. Sholtis is the 2021-2022 Reveal Benjamin von Sternenfels Rosenthal Grantee for Mental Health Investigative Journalism with the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. His award-winning work on problem areas in mental health policy and policing helped to get a woman moved from a county jail to a psychiatric facility. Sholtis is a University of Pittsburgh graduate and a Pennsylvania Army National Guard Kosovo campaign veteran.
