American Heart Association rolls out new high blood pressure guidelines

(Gray News) – The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued new guidelines for high blood pressure, including earlier intervention with medication.

High blood pressure (including stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension) affects nearly half (46.7%) of all adults in the U.S. and is the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world.

The blood pressure criteria remain the same as the previous 2017 guideline:

normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg;

elevated blood pressure is 120-129 mm Hg and <80 mm Hg;

stage 1 hypertension is 130-139 mm Hg or 80-89 mm Hg; and

stage 2 hypertension is ≥140 mm Hg or ≥90 mm Hg.

However, under the new guidelines released in August, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology advises earlier treatment that includes lif