&w=3840&q=100)
New guidelines on blood pressure management: What you need to know
Smarter tools for risk detection
One of the standout changes is the introduction of a new risk calculator called PREVENT (Predicting Risk of Cardiovascular Disease EVENTs). This tool helps doctors customise treatment by looking beyond the numbers on your BP monitor. It considers factors such as kidney health, whether you're already on statins, and even the challenges of living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood, where hypertension is often more common.
Laboratory testing has also been updated to ensure more reliable results, so that treatment is based on clear evidence rather than guesswork.
Protecting your brain health
The new guidelines draw attention to something often overlooked: the strong link between high blood pressure and memory loss or dementia. Hypertension is known to damage small blood vessels in the brain and is associated with Alzheimer's disease. Research shows that getting blood pressure under control early doesn't just protect your heart – it also helps safeguard brain health over the long term.
Tailored medication strategies
The days of 'one pill fits all' are over. The refreshed guidelines underline that many people, especially those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease, may need a more customised approach. Doctors are encouraged to consider options ranging from ACE inhibitors and ARBs to calcium-channel blockers, GLP-1 medications, or thiazide diuretics.
Special focus on pregnancy
Blood pressure management during and after pregnancy gets particular attention. Conditions like pre-eclampsia can pose risks for both mother and baby, making early detection vital.
Blood pressure categories during pregnancy are now clearly defined:
Non-hypertensive: under 140/90 mm Hg
Hypertension in pregnancy: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
Severe hypertension: 160/110 mm Hg or higher
Here, the first number (systolic) measures pressure when the heart contracts, while the second (diastolic) reflects pressure when the heart rests.
Updated categories for all adults
For the general population, the AHA and ACC now outline six categories:
Normal: under 120/80 mm Hg
Elevated: 120–129 systolic and under 80 diastolic
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139 systolic or 80–89 diastolic
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mm Hg or higher
Severe Hypertension: over 180/120 mm Hg without symptoms
Hypertensive Emergency: over 180/120 with urgent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, vision problems, or trouble speaking
Severe hypertension without organ damage can often be managed with timely adjustments to oral medicines. However, hypertensive emergencies need immediate hospital care to prevent damage to vital organs.
Lifestyle comes first
If your readings place you in stage 1 hypertension (systolic 130–139), medication isn't the first step anymore. Doctors will first encourage lifestyle changes that can have a major impact:
Reduce daily salt intake to around 2,300 mg, ideally 1,500 mg
Follow the DASH diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, legumes, and healthy oils
Avoid alcohol completely, as even small amounts raise hypertension risk
Aim for a modest weight loss of 5 per cent if overweight
Stay physically active for at least 150 minutes a week, reduce stress, and maintain a regular sleep routine
Getting home monitoring right
Perhaps one of the most empowering changes is the emphasis on home monitoring. Taking your blood pressure correctly at home can help prevent misdiagnosis. The guidelines suggest:
Sit upright with your back supported and feet flat on the floor
Keep your arm at heart level and rest for five minutes before measuring
Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes before the reading
Measure at the same time each day and record results carefully
These updates reflect a shift towards more personalised, proactive care. By focusing on prevention, lifestyle changes, and accurate monitoring, the guidelines aim to make hypertension management not just a doctor's prescription, but a part of everyday living. If you're concerned about your readings, the best step is to discuss with your healthcare provider which approach suits you best. For more health updates, follow #HealthWithBS
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Deccan Herald
2 hours ago
- Deccan Herald
Patients, caregivers struggle as cure & govt support elude Huntington's disease
Cognitive decline in patients mirrors Alzheimer's and dementia, affecting memory and executive functions. Psychiatric issues include depression, anxiety, irritability, and psychosis, often leading to suicidal ideation.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Trending weight loss injections may bring more harm than good, warn medical experts
Lucknow: In a new trend, people with obesity are using injections originally prescribed for diabetics to lose weight. Doctors claim they receive 20–25 queries daily about the drugs, which studies show can cut body weight by 15–20%. However, experts caution that these injections are not a universal solution and pose serious health risks if misused. The commonly used drugs are GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Semaglutide and Liraglutide) and Tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 & GIP receptor agonist. While GLP-1 agonists are mainly for diabetics with obesity, Tirzepatide and Liraglutide may also be used in non-diabetic obese patients. However, the choice depends on clinical profile and cost, as treatment often lasts months or years. Prof Gaurav Pandey, faculty at the gastroenterology department, SGPGIMS, said, "We receive 8–10 queries a week, and around 10% of those become active users. These injections regulate blood sugar, curb appetite, and slow digestion, leading to gradual weight loss. But prolonged use may cause nausea, diarrhoea, acid reflux, pancreatitis, gallstones, or even paralysis of stomach muscles." "This is not a magic shot—it should only be used under the supervision of a bariatric or weight-loss surgeon," he said while insisting that oral drugs like SGTL2 may have some weight loss too. "The weight loss observed with SGLT2 inhibitors is generally less than what is typically seen with lifestyle interventions like diet and exercise, making people seek shortcuts that may be unsafe without medical guidance. There is no replacement for balanced eating habits, exercise, and a strong will to stay fit," Prof Pandey stressed. Dr Ankur Saxena, director of Robotic Minimal Access and Bariatric surgery at ApolloMedics Hospital, said 10–15% of young obese patients enquire about weight loss medicines. "These drugs are not for everyone. Extremely obese patients benefit more from bariatric surgery, with injections sometimes used as a bridge before surgery to improve safety," he explained. The injections can be prescribed to both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, though non-diabetics must monitor blood sugar to avoid hypoglycemia. "If symptoms occur, doctors advise consuming a sweet drink, checking sugar levels, and seeking immediate medical advice. Weight loss of 15–20% is possible with proper dosage, diet, and exercise, but experts emphasize that results often reverse if healthy lifestyle changes are not sustained," he said. Dr Sushil Gupta, principal director of endocrinology and diabetes at Max Super Speciality Hospital, said these injections are generally safe under endocrinologist supervision. "The choice of drug depends on factors such as diabetes status, BMI, fat distribution, extent of weight loss needed, and other illnesses. Side effects are usually manageable. Patients with high BMI who failed to lose weight, or those with conditions like sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, or heart disease linked to obesity often consider this therapy," he said. Gastroenterologist Punit Kumar, reports that rising obesity in cities like Lucknow—especially among children, youth, and women—is increasing the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, Type II diabetes, and hypertension. They are also expensive, costing Rs 15,000-20,000 per month for long-term use, making them inaccessible for most people. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
NDTV
7 hours ago
- NDTV
Serena Williams Reveals She Lost 14 kg Using Weight-Loss Medication: "I Feel Great"
Serena Williams has opened up about her weight loss journey, revealing she lost 31 pounds (14 kg) with the help of a weight loss drug. The 23-time Grand Slam champion started using a GLP-1 medication after her second child, as part of a paid partnership with healthcare company Ro. Williams didn't specify which GLP-1 medication she's taking, but shared that she initially used it inconsistently before becoming fully committed to the treatment. She's been working with Ro to normalise the use of weight loss medications and break down stigmas surrounding them. According to Williams, the medication has not only helped her lose weight but also improved her overall health, with noticeable enhancements in her blood sugar levels and reduced joint pain. "I feel great. I feel really good and healthy. I feel light physically and light mentally," she told People. She also shared a video on Instagram, explaining the reasons behind her decision. "Taking care of yourself isn't a weakness, it's a power. I've never been about shortcuts, not in my career, and not in my health. I'm on a GLP-1 because it was the right tool to help me feel healthy," she wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) The 43-year-old tennis star attributed the start of her weight struggles to 2017, following the birth of her daughter, Alexis Olympia, which was delivered via emergency C-section. She admitted that she was struggling to lose weight post-pregnancy, despite trying various methods such as intense workouts. She had also tried various diets, including vegan and vegetarian options, and a high-protein diet, as well as exercising regularly, often reaching 20,000 steps per day. "A misconception is that it's a shortcut. As an athlete and as someone that has done everything, I just couldn't get my weight to where I needed to be at a healthy place — and believe me, I don't take shortcuts," she told Today. "As a woman, you go through different cycles in your life. … No matter what I did — running, walking, I would walk for hours because they say that's good, I literally was playing a professional sport — and I could never go back to where I needed to be for my health. Then, after my second kid, it just got even harder. So, then I was like, OK, I have to try something different," she added. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ro (@ Williams reported no side effects from the weight loss medication injections. She's now considering staying on the medication long-term, feeling like her body has found balance again. Serena Williams and her husband, Alexis Ohanian, Reddit's co-founder, have two daughters: 7-year-old Olympia and 2-year-old Adira. Notably, Ohanian is an investor in Ro, the healthcare company Williams partners with for her weight loss treatment. How do GLP-1 drugs work? GLP-1 drugs work by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating, leading to reduced appetite, feeling full faster, and slowed stomach emptying. These effects facilitate weight loss and also make the medications useful for treating diabetes by triggering insulin release. Typically, GLP-1 medications are prescribed for obesity or diabetes, often in conjunction with recommended lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
