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New guidelines released Thursday (August 14) by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend that individuals with high blood pressure start treatment earlier and avoid alcohol. These guidelines mark the first update since 2017 and emphasize the importance of lifestyle changes and early intervention to reduce the risk of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
According to the guidelines, maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle is crucial. This includes following a diet low in salt, staying physically active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. If necessary, early treatment with medication is advised to lower blood pressure and prevent complications like heart attack and stroke. The guidelines also highlight the association between high blood pressure and cognitive decline, recommending a systolic blood pressure goal of less than 130 mm Hg to prevent dementia.
The guidelines introduce the PREVENT risk calculator, developed by the American Heart Association in 2023, to estimate cardiovascular disease risk. This tool helps healthcare professionals make personalized treatment decisions. Additionally, the guidelines suggest using medications like ACE inhibitors and GLP-1 therapies for those with high blood pressure and conditions like obesity or type 2 diabetes.
The guidelines also address high blood pressure during pregnancy, advising treatment to prevent complications such as preeclampsia and stroke. Postpartum care is emphasized to manage ongoing high blood pressure.
Dr. Daniel W. Jones, chair of the guideline writing committee, stated, "Prevention, early detection, and management of high blood pressure are critical to long-term heart and brain health." The guidelines aim to support healthcare professionals and empower patients to achieve optimal blood pressure levels.