A number of medical groups, including some in America, have modified the level at which blood pressure is considered high. The old mark, one forty over ninety, is now set at one thirty over eighty. This change alters a number of people who previously weren’t in the hypertensive range to now be considered so afflicted. The change was made because the prior level left a number of patients otherwise thought to be in a normal or only slightly elevated risk grouping at serious risk for cardiac issues.

Key Takeaways:

• Medical groups and associates lowered the guidelines that trigger a diagnosis of high blood pressure out of fears the previous levels were too lax.
• High blood pressure, especially when untreated, can leave someone at risk for cardiac problems or death.
• Doctors have not changed their recommendations for how to start treating high blood pressure; better diet and more exercise.

“Leading heart health experts tightened the guidelines for high blood pressure Monday, a change that will sharply increase the number of U.S. adults considered hypertensive in the hope that they, and their doctors, will address the deadly condition sooner.”

Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2017/11/13/blood-pressure-of-130-is-the-new-high-according-to-first-update-of-guidelines-in-14-years/