Due to recent research surrounding high blood pressure, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology redefined standards for high blood pressure. Prior to the new classification, high blood pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, had affected 32% of Americans. With the new classification, it is believed that an alarming 46% of Americans may have high blood pressure.
Before the new classification, a person was diagnosed with hypertension if the reading was anything above 140 over 90. Now, with the new classification, a person with a reading of 130 over 80 is considered to have high blood pressure. There are five different blood pressure categories defined by the American Heart Association. The categories are normal, elevated, stage 1 hypertension, stage 2 hypertension and last, hypertensive crisis. The top number is known as the systolic mm Hg and the bottom number is called the diastolic mm Hg. Below is a break down from the American Heart Association which defines what to look for when reading the results from your blood pressure reading.
Normal Blood Pressure: Under 120 over 80
Elevated Blood Pressure: Top number between 120-129 and bottom number less than 80
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 1: Top number between 130-139 and bottom number between 80-89
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Stage 2: Top number is 140 or higher and bottom number is 90 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis: Top number is above 180 and/or bottom number is higher than 120
(If you are experiencing hypertensive crisis, immediately contact your physician)
Why the Classification Changed
The definition of high blood pressure has changed in the hopes that earlier diagnosis can be lifesaving. Suffering from hypertension is also known to be a cause of other heart issues like heart disease and strokes. A diagnosis should be taken seriously, as it can have serious detrimental effects to your health. Lifestyle changes can be made to take control of blood pressure.
Taking Control of High Blood Pressure
After a diagnosis of high blood pressure, it is important to meet with your physician to create a treatment plan. Though there are many different high blood pressure medications available, there are also alternative ways to lower your blood pressure and get it back in a normal, healthy range. Allowing your body to solely rely on medication to treat your condition can prolong the problem and yield ineffective results. Diet, exercise, and stress management are all great ways to take control of your blood pressure.
It is highly recommended that a low-sodium diet consisting of high amounts of leafy greens, fruits and vegetables be implemented. A combination of this diet and a more active lifestyle can put you on track to a healthier heart and lower blood pressure. Becoming more active doesn’t have to be an extreme change either—it can be as simple as putting aside 30-60 minutes each day to take walk. Talk to your doctor about what level of exercise is right for you.
Becoming proactive about your heart’s health can be lifesaving. If you are concerned about high blood pressure and how it could be affecting you, contact your physician and make an appointment with them today.
Dr. Barbara R. Edwards, M.D., M.P.H. is an attending physician residing in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Edwards received her undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania with Summa cum Laude honors. She received her M.D. at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1988, and her Master of Public Health degree from Harvard University in 1993. Read more about Dr. Barbara Edwards Princeton, NJ Internist.