New guidelines reveal 2 common habits spiking your Blood Pressure — cut them out immediately
is still one of the biggest health problems in the US, affecting almost half of all adults. The
American Heart Association
and the American College of Cardiology have released new guidelines for the first time since 2017.
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These new recommendations are stricter about how much alcohol and sodium people should eat. They urge Americans to make changes to their lifestyles sooner to avoid long-term harm. The new method could help millions lower their risk of diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and dementia, as per a report by USA Today.
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What are the most important changes in the new rules?
Years of research and a stronger focus on prevention have led to the new blood pressure standards. In the past, treatment usually began for patients whose blood pressure was 140/90 mm Hg or higher. Now, doctors are told to do something much sooner.
People with stage 1 hypertension, which is defined as a systolic reading between 130 and 139 mm Hg or a diastolic reading between 80 and 89 mm Hg, should be told by their doctors to make changes to their lifestyles right away. These changes can be made to your diet, exercise, and drink less alcohol. The idea is simple: step in sooner to stop more damage from happening later, as per a report by USA Today.
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Why does drinking alcohol raise blood pressure?
Long-term drinking has been linked to high blood pressure, and the new rules are stricter about drinking. Studies indicate that both systolic and diastolic blood pressure increase over time with consistent alcohol consumption.
The report says that people who stop drinking completely have the lowest risk, and people who cut back by at least 50% see real improvements. The guidelines hope to lower the risks that come with heavy or even moderate drinking by making the limits clearer: two drinks a day for men and one for women, as per a report by USA Today.
How does lowering sodium lower risk?
Sodium is still one of the main causes of high blood pressure. Many people think that adding salt at the table is the problem, but most sodium actually comes from packaged and restaurant foods. That's why the new advice emphasizes looking at nutrition labels and using alternatives like potassium-enriched salt substitutes.
Experts say that you should try to get less than 2,300 mg of sodium each day, with 1,500 mg being the best goal. It is very important to follow a heart-healthy diet like the DASH plan, which is full of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, and low-fat dairy.
What part do lifestyle and the environment play?
There are other things that affect blood pressure besides diet. Age, genes, being overweight, not being able to use insulin, not getting enough sleep, and stress all play a role. Air pollution and being around heavy metals are two examples of environmental factors that can also have an effect. That's why the new guidelines stress a holistic approach that includes diet, exercise, stress management, and medical care when necessary, as per a report by USA Today.
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FAQs
What is the safe amount of alcohol to drink under the new rules?
Men should only drink two drinks a day, and women should only drink one.
Why is it still so important to cut back on sodium?
Most Americans eat too much sodium, so cutting back is still a proven way to lower blood pressure and protect heart health.
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