The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have released a new guideline focusing on the prevention and early treatment of high blood pressure, a condition affecting nearly half of all U.S. adults and a leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The guideline underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications and, when necessary, medication to mitigate risks associated with high blood pressure, including heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.
Key recommendations include the use of the PREVENT™ risk calculator to assess individual CVD risk, advocating for a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, and stress management. The guideline also highlights the significance of monitoring and treating high blood pressure during pregnancy to prevent complications like preeclampsia.
With high blood pressure being a major contributor to cognitive decline and dementia, the guideline advises early intervention to maintain brain health. It also introduces updated medication strategies, including the potential use of GLP-1 medications for patients with high blood pressure and obesity, to achieve blood pressure goals.
This comprehensive approach, developed in collaboration with 11 other health organizations, aims to provide tailored strategies for managing high blood pressure across different life stages, emphasizing the critical role of early detection and treatment in improving long-term health outcomes.
