Last November, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released new blood pressure guidelines for the first time since 2003. Overnight, about 30 million more Americans were classified as having high blood pressure.

 

The previous definition of high blood pressure (or stage 1 hypertension) was a reading of 140 or higher for systolic blood pressure and 90 or above for diastolic blood pressure. Under the new guidelines, high blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of 130 or higher and a diastolic reading of 80 and up.

 

Having high blood pressure is incredibly dangerous. High blood pressure is responsible for the second-largest number of preventable heart disease and stroke deaths in the United States. The condition damages your arteries, causes your blood vessels to weaken and burst, and increase the workload on your heart.

 

The best way to know whether your blood pressure is in a healthy range is to have it checked. A great way to learn more about your blood pressure and making healthy lifestyle changes is to call our Health & Wellness Team. Call today to schedule an appointment  with Linda Reichart for an educational class "How to Control Your Blood Pressure!" 

724-841-0980 x 110

 

(excerpts from UPMC: My Health Insight: Issue Two – 2018)