GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ) – A change in the definition of “High Blood Pressure” has occurred for the first time in 14 years.
Many more adults will be considered with high blood pressure according to new guidelines rolled out Monday by the American Heart Association.
High blood pressure is now defined as readings of 130 over 80 or higher. Officially, high blood pressure will be any systolic reading of 130 mm HG and a reading of 80 or higher for the diastolic measurement.
The old definition of high blood pressure was 140 over 90, according to Dr. Paul Pienkos, Cardiologist at Prevea Health in Green Bay.
“That previous value will now be too high, it will be hypertension at the level.”
Because of the change, “More people in our country will fit into the category of high blood pressure” said Dr. Pienkos.
Now, almost half of US adults will be considered having high blood pressure, rather than 1 in 3 previously.
“It is often times known as the “Silent Killer”
The new guidelines stress the importance of using proper technique to measure blood pressure.
“The message could be starting to look at lifestyle and other factors that we can do to reduce the blood pressure.”
High blood pressure accounts for the second largest number of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths, which is second only to smoking.
“Blood pressure is a major risk factor for the development of heart disease and stroke.”
New categories now are:
Normal: Less than 120/80 mm HgElevated: Top number (systolic) between 120-129 and bottom number (diastolic) less than 80Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at lease 90 mm HgHypertensive Crisis: Top number over 180 and bottom number over 120
The category of prehypertension is eliminated with the new guidelines.
