Confused about new high blood pressure guidelines? Here’s some clarity

New guidelines that lower the definition of high blood pressure could mean 30 million more Americans will be told they have the disease.

But that doesn’t mean everyone newly diagnosed under the guidelines will need or be prescribed medication, said Dr. Teresa Daniele, chief of cardiology at UCSF Fresno. Only 4 to 5 million people are expected to start medication for hypertension, she said. “It depends on your risk factors.”

It used to be that blood pressure of 140/80 was considered high. And two years ago, people 65 and older were told a blood pressure of 150/80 was acceptable. Cardiologists say erase those high blood pressure numbers: The new guidelines say both of those old recommendations – 140/80 for most people and 150/80 for people 65 and older – were too high. They now consider a blood pressure of 130/80 to need attention.

There is a lot of evidence to demonstrate that the new guidelines should be followed, Daniele said. “Hypertension continues to be one of the silent killers of cardiovascular disease,” she said. “And right under smoking, the No. 2 preventable risk factor is hypertension.”

A reading of 130/80 requires attention, she said. But some people may be able to lower their blood pressure through lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise and weight control.

However, in some cases medication may be warranted, Daniele said. “If they have greater than a 10 percent risk of cardiovascular disease – family history of early heart disease, high cholesterol, smoking, kidney disease – then you should be started on medication immediately.” And anyone older than 65 with that blood pressure would qualify for medication, she said.

Daniele said clearing up confusion about the new blood pressure guidelines is one of the objectives of a UCSF Fresno Women’s Heart Fair scheduled for Feb. 3. “Given these new hypertension guidelines, it’s prudent to come out and see what that blood pressure is.”

The free event will include a 30-minute screening for blood pressure, height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), cholesterol and glucose (blood sugar). A fitness trainer will demonstrate simple exercises for maintaining strength as a person ages. Daniele will talk about women and heart disease, and other lectures will be on irregular heartbeat and sleep apnea.

The deadline to register for the University of California at San Francisco-Fresno event is Jan. 31. To register by telephone: 559-459-3943; or email sherrieyang@fresno.ucsf.edu.

This story was originally published January 19, 2018 at 3:12 PM with the headline "Confused about new high blood pressure guidelines? Here’s some clarity."