acc aha hypertension guidelines 2017

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have revised the definition of hypertension in their 2017 guidelines. Hypertension is now defined as a consistent blood pressure reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. This update is intended to facilitate earlier identification and management of hypertension, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The new guidelines categorize hypertension into two stages. Stage 1 hypertension is characterized by a systolic blood pressure between 130 and 139 mmHg, or a diastolic blood pressure between 80 and 89 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is indicated by a systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or higher. This classification enables physicians to more precisely evaluate a patient's condition and develop appropriate treatment plans.

For patients diagnosed with hypertension, the guidelines recommend initiating lifestyle modifications to control blood pressure, including a healthy diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, and stress reduction. If these measures are insufficient to control blood pressure, physicians may recommend antihypertensive medications. It is crucial for patients to follow their physician's advice, monitor their blood pressure regularly, and adjust treatment plans as needed to maintain blood pressure within the target range, thus minimizing the risk of cardiovascular events.