The New 2017 ACC AHA Guidelines for Hypertension Management What You Need to Know

The New 2017 ACC/AHA Guidelines for Hypertension Management: What You Need to Know

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a major health concern affecting millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is responsible for approximately 7.5 million deaths annually, making it a leading cause of mortality worldwide. In the United States, hypertension affects nearly one in three adults, and it is estimated that only half of those with hypertension have it under control. To address this issue, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) recently released new guidelines for the management of hypertension. In this article, we will discuss the key changes in the new guidelines and what they mean for patients and healthcare providers.

The new guidelines define hypertension as a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 130 mmHg or higher or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 80 mmHg or higher. This represents a significant change from the previous definition, which defined hypertension as a SBP of 140 mmHg or higher or a DBP of 90 mmHg or higher. The new guidelines also recommend that blood pressure be classified as elevated if the SBP is between 120-129 mmHg and the DBP is less than 80 mmHg. This new classification is intended to identify individuals who are at increased risk for developing hypertension and to encourage lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of hypertension.

The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of accurate blood pressure measurements. The guidelines recommend that blood pressure be measured using an automated device that is validated for accuracy. The guidelines also recommend that blood pressure be measured in both arms at the initial visit to identify any differences in blood pressure between the arms. Additionally, the guidelines recommend that blood pressure be measured in the seated position after five minutes of rest and that multiple readings be taken to ensure accuracy.

The new guidelines also recommend a stepped approach to hypertension management. For individuals with hypertension and a low risk of cardiovascular disease, lifestyle modifications are recommended as the initial treatment. These lifestyle modifications include weight loss, a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and limited alcohol consumption. For individuals with hypertension and a high risk of cardiovascular disease, medication may be recommended in addition to lifestyle modifications. The guidelines recommend the use of thiazide diuretics as the initial medication for most individuals with hypertension. Other medications may be added as needed to achieve blood pressure control.

The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of patient engagement in hypertension management. The guidelines recommend that healthcare providers work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that take into account the patient's preferences, values, and goals. The guidelines also recommend that healthcare providers use motivational interviewing techniques to encourage patients to make lifestyle modifications and to adhere to medication regimens.

In summary, the new 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines for hypertension management represent a significant change in the definition and classification of hypertension. The guidelines emphasize the importance of accurate blood pressure measurements, a stepped approach to hypertension management, and patient engagement in hypertension management. Healthcare providers and patients alike should be aware of these changes and work together to develop individualized treatment plans that promote blood pressure control and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.