New high BP guideline a ‘wake-up call’ for lifestyle change, say cardiologists

“Hypertension is the most prevalent public health issue that contributes to the maximum number of deaths and disease. Our understanding of hypertension has been dynamic and concepts get redefined with new evidence.  Experienced doctors have come up time and again with new guidelines. In 2003, the JNC 7 or the seventh report of the Joint National Committee’s report on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure had shown that starting from 110/75, every addition of blood pressure by 20 mm systolic and 10 mm diastolic would double the risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure,” said Chandorkar.

While systolic reading refers to the pressure when the heart contracts and sends blood through the arteries, diastolic pressure is measured when the heart relaxes between beats. These recent guidelines by the AHA and others, after conducting exhaustive studies, have shown that the blood pressure level to be aimed at is 130/80, especially among individuals at risk of heart attack, diabetes or stroke. For people who are at a high risk for developing heart disease over a period of time, it is crucial to work aggressively to lower their blood pressure level to 130/80. People with risk factors like obesity, tobacco usage and others also need to reasonably maintain blood pressure levels at 130/80, added the cardiologist.