2017 acc/aha hypertension guidelines

The 2017 hypertension guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have redefined hypertension, categorizing blood pressure into four stages: normal blood pressure, elevated blood pressure, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. This revision aims to identify and manage hypertension risk at an earlier stage to decrease the occurrence of cardiovascular events.

Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure below 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. Individuals within this range are considered to have optimal blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure, the precursor to hypertension, is defined as a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. Although these individuals do not have hypertension, they are at an increased risk of developing it. Stage 1 hypertension is characterized by a systolic pressure between 130 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic pressure between 80 and 89 mm Hg. Stage 2 hypertension is indicated by a systolic pressure of 140 mm Hg or higher or a diastolic pressure of 90 mm Hg or higher, signifying a higher risk for cardiovascular complications and necessitating more intensive treatment.

For those diagnosed with hypertension, the guidelines advocate for lifestyle modifications as the primary treatment approach, encompassing a healthy diet, regular physical activity, smoking cessation, alcohol moderation, weight management, and stress reduction. Some patients with stage 1 hypertension may achieve blood pressure control through lifestyle changes alone. However, patients with stage 2 hypertension or those with additional cardiovascular risk factors may require pharmacological intervention to further lower their blood pressure. In selecting antihypertensive medications, considerations should include the patient's age, comorbid conditions, tolerance to medication, and adherence to treatment.

In conclusion, the 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guidelines underscore the significance of early detection and management of hypertension by revising its classification criteria. For individuals with hypertension, a holistic treatment strategy that includes lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, pharmacological therapy, is recommended to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular events.