Contents
What Are the Latest Hypertension Guidelines?
Published: Jul 16, 2024
Hypertension guidelines are essential for managing and treating high blood pressure effectively. Discover the latest updates and what they mean for you.
New Definitions
The 2017 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines lowered the blood pressure thresholds for diagnosing hypertension. The new guidelines define hypertension as having a systolic pressure of 130 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 80 mmHg or higher. These changes have increased the number of people classified as having hypertension.
Global Adoption
Not all countries have adopted the 2017 guidelines, leading to variations in diagnosis and treatment. Countries like Canada and China would see significant increases in hypertension rates if these guidelines were adopted. Understanding these differences is important for international health management.
Impact on Treatment
The updated guidelines impact treatment strategies, increasing the number of patients needing intervention. Many patients reclassified under the new guidelines may require lifestyle changes rather than medication. This shift emphasizes the importance of non-pharmacologic approaches in managing hypertension.
Frequently Asked Questions
The guidelines define hypertension as 130/80 mmHg or higher.
No, adoption varies globally, affecting diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, they increase the number of patients needing lifestyle changes or medication.
They help manage hypertension without medication, reducing health risks.
The Bottom Line
Staying informed about guidelines is crucial for effective hypertension management.
References
- Whelton PK, Carey RM, Aronow WS, et al. Hypertension 2018; 71:e13.
- Muntner P, Carey RM, Gidding S, et al. Circulation 2018; 137:109.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?