Heart diseases have long been the leading cause of death worldwide, and high blood pressure is one of the most easily controllable factors. Maintaining blood pressure at a normal level also reduces the risk of kidney diseases, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology continuously analyze research on hypertension to provide the best control solutions. Recently, after eight years, the two committees have released a new set of guidelines in this regard, as reported by CNN.
The new medical recommendations regarding blood pressure change the way doctors approach hypertension. Specialists advocate for a quicker initiation of treatment and deliver a clear message: alcohol no longer has a place in a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Hypertension usually has no symptoms
Almost half of American adults have high blood pressure. The normal values remain unchanged: below 120/80 mm Hg is normal, 120-129/80 mm Hg means elevated blood pressure, and from 130/80 mm Hg upwards, doctors will recommend lifestyle changes.
Hypertension usually has no symptoms, but it forces the heart and blood vessels to work harder, eventually leading to a heart attack or stroke.
How hypertension is treated
According to the new guidelines, if the systolic blood pressure is between 130 and 139, the doctor will first recommend lifestyle changes. If no results are seen after 3-6 months, medication treatment will follow. In 2017, the threshold for medication was over 140.
"We are trying to aggressively control blood pressure to prevent cardiovascular diseases, strokes, kidney diseases, and even dementia. This is very important news," said Dr. Daniel Jones, the president of the AHA committee.
Lifestyle changes include maintaining a healthy weight, balanced diet, reducing salt intake, managing stress, at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week, and strength exercises.
Small sacrifices that save your heart
An important novelty: the recommendation to completely give up alcohol. Until now, it was considered acceptable for women to have one glass a day and for men to have two. "The evidence is clear that alcohol negatively affects blood pressure. Abstinence is ideal," said Jones.
The new recommendations also highlight the link between blood pressure and the risk of dementia, as well as the importance of monitoring blood pressure in pregnant women.
The DASH diet remains recommended: rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, lean meat, legumes, and nuts, low in fats, sugar, and tropical oils. Salt intake should be reduced to below 2,300 mg/day, ideally towards 1,500 mg/day, and potassium-enriched salts are an option.
For those with obesity, losing at least 5% of body weight is recommended, through diet, exercise, treatments, or even surgery.
"It's challenging to keep blood pressure under control in an environment where food is abundant in salt and calories. But the good news is that these measures work if you are willing to follow them," Jones concluded.