When it Comes to Blood Pressure, High is the New High Normal

The Pressure Is On…High

High normal blood pressure is a term of the past. Readings previously deemed high normal are now regarded as just plain high, or “Stage 1 Hypertension”. Blood pressure readings, for the uninitiated are defined as systolic over diastolic, or, pumping pressure over resting pressure.

Previously, if a reading was 139 over 89, the patient would be considered high normal. Consequently, people were told not to worry.  High normal is really just a hair past normal, right? Pre-hypertension is still pre, right? No worries? No more. Pre-hypertension has lost its prefix. A new standard has been mandated as of November 2017. Blood pressure readings above 130/80 are deemed clinically significant. In conclusion, regardless of systolic readings, if a diastolic number is above 80 the individual is considered Stage 1 Hypertension.

New Guidelines

The American College of Cardiology has set the new guidelines as follows:

• Normal Blood Pressure: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
• Elevated Blood Pressure: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;
• Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;
• Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;
• Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120. Patients require prompt change in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.

The new mandate will sharply increase the number of US adults considered hypertensive. In setting a new standard the hope is that the deadly condition will be addressed and treated sooner.

So, if we weren’t considering you Hypertensive before, we might be now. If you were “high Normal;” before, you may be “Stage 1 Hypertension” now. Having said that, should you now rush out and jump on a “Statin”? Don’t know yet – that’s what we are going to talk about. Chiropractic Treatment Plans at Blue Heron include blood pressure monitoring. Let’s talk about what can be done – in the clinic.   Make an appointment today!