The new blood pressure guidelines: Messages you may have missed
The recently updated blood pressure guidelines lowered the threshold for diagnosing the condition, down to 130/80 mg Hg from 140/90 mm Hg. Nearly half of all Americans now have high blood pressure. People with elevated blood pressure (readings that fall between 120/80 and 130/80 mm Hg) should focus on diet and exercise changes to help lower their values. Those with a reading of 130/80 and higher may also need medications if they have a high risk of heart disease.
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