New Guidelines Urge Early Action on High Blood Pressure to Prevent Heart Disease

The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), along with 11 other health care organizations, have released updated guidelines for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. The PREVENTTM risk calculator is now recommended to estimate cardiovascular disease risk, emphasizing early treatment and lifestyle modifications to combat high blood pressure, a leading preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline. The guideline underscores the importance of a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, and stress management, alongside medication when necessary, to achieve blood pressure goals. Special attention is given to managing high blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy to reduce risks of complications like preeclampsia.

Key updates include the use of the PREVENTTM calculator for personalized risk assessment, recommendations for early intervention to prevent cognitive decline, and tailored medication approaches, including the potential use of GLP-1 medications for patients with high blood pressure and obesity. The guideline also highlights the critical role of home blood pressure monitoring and the expanded use of laboratory tests for kidney health and primary aldosteronism screening. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce the significant burden of high blood pressure on public health by promoting prevention, early detection, and effective management strategies.