Hypertension: Killing the Silent Killer

Join Dr. Sanul Corrielus, a board-certified cardiologist, best-selling author in heart health and CEO of Corrielus Cardiology to address the greatest challenges to manage hypertension. The 2017 ACC/AHA Hypertension Guideline introduced key changes in blood pressure classification and management, lowering the threshold for diagnosing hypertension. Normal blood pressure is now defined as <120/80 mm Hg, while hypertension is classified into elevated (120-129/<80 mm Hg), stage 1 (130-139/80-89 mm Hg), and stage 2 (≥140/90 mm Hg). This has increased the prevalence of hypertension, encouraging earlier detection and intervention. Lifestyle changes are advised for stage 1, but pharmacological treatment is recommended for stage 2 or stage 1 with cardiovascular disease or a 10-year ASCVD risk ≥10%. The guideline sets a blood pressure goal of <130/80 mm Hg for most adults and focuses on specific populations. African Americans at higher risk for complications may require thiazide diuretics or calcium channel blockers. For those with diabetes, tight control of blood pressure is vital to prevent complications, with the same target of <130/80 mm Hg. Older adults should aim for the same goal but with consideration of overall health. Resistant hypertension, where blood pressure remains uncontrolled with three agents, requires further evaluation. Adherence to treatment and lifestyle changes is critical for achieving and maintaining blood pressure control and reducing cardiovascular risks.