New research has prompted the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology to redefine the classification for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This means that those who may not have been concerned about their blood pressure may now need to start making lifestyle changes to control it. In fact, these updated recommendations have increased the percentage of Americans with high blood pressure from 32% to a staggering 46% of the population.
The new classification for high blood pressure is anyone with a reading of 130 over 80, compared to the prior definition of 140 over 90. The rest of the new classifications are as follows:
- Normal Blood Pressure: Under 120 over 80
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Top number 120-129 and bottom number less than 80
- High Blood Pressure / Stage 1: Top number of 130-139 or bottom number 80-89
- High Blood Pressure / Stage 2: Top number at least 140 or bottom number at least 90
- Hypertensive Crisis: Top number of at least 180 or bottom number at least 120 (consult a physician immediately)
These heart organizations decided to change these definitions in order to prompt early diagnoses that can be life saving. Hypertension is a known cause of heart disease and stroke.
It’s important to speak with your doctor about ways to handle high blood pressure, as medication isn’t always the only way to get you back in a healthy range. A low-sodium diet that is high in leafy greens, vegetables and fruit in combination with an active lifestyle can be effective in lowering blood pressure to the normal range.
Many diets plans, such as the DASH diet have been shown to help reduce blood pressure–and in my opinion, they’re also delicious! Heart disease is the deadliest disease worldwide, and it’s particularly dangerous because symptoms can be easy to ignore.
Make an appointment with your doctor today if you’re concerned about how high blood pressure could be affecting your health, and urge family members who also may be at risk to do the same.