Lower the blood pressure to 130 instead of 140- in future the new blood pressure guidelines?

US health experts lower guideline for hypertension

Although high blood pressure does not hurt, it does endanger your health and increases the risk of heart disease. But for some time raging among experts a dispute over how high the blood pressure may actually be. In the US, blood pressure guidelines have now been lowered. Experts believe that the targets are likely to be reduced in Europe.

Lower blood pressure values

According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), almost every third adult in Germany suffers from hypertension. Many do not suspect their hypertension. This can have dangerous consequences, because untreated high blood pressure increases the risk, inter alia, for heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney failure. So it's clear that you should better diagnose and treat hypertension early. But it has become a matter of debate among experts about which values ​​to strive for. Health experts from the US have now lowered their blood pressure guidelines. The target values ​​could also be adjusted in Germany.

US health experts have lowered blood pressure limits. In Germany, too, the target values ​​are likely to be reduced. (Image: Kurhan / fotolia.com)

Every second American now has high blood pressure

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mmHg and / or diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mmHg are considered hypertension.

But after the publication of the so-called SPRINT study from the USA two years ago, it was said that 120 instead of 140 should be the new blood pressure target.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) have now presented their updated hypertension guideline at a California convention.

The guideline also published in the journal "Hypertension" lowers the limit value for arterial hypertension from 140/80 mmHg to 130/90 mmHg.

This means that almost half of all American adults now have high blood pressure.

Save lives and save money

"Yes, we will label more people than high blood pressure patients and prescribe more medicines, but we will save lives and save money by preventing more strokes, cardiovascular events, and kidney failure," Dr. med. Kenneth Jamerson from the University of Michigan in a statement from the AHA.

The physician is one of 21 experts involved in the preparation of the new guideline. This was reportedly in work for about three years and based on hundreds of studies.

However, as the communication states, the new guideline does not suggest a massive increase in the number of patients taking blood pressure medication.

Instead, it stresses that physicians need to focus more on healthier lifestyle changes.

In a statement by the ACC, Chairman of the Policy Committee, Paul Whelton, said:

"We want to be direct to the people - if they already have a doubling of the risk, they need to know about it. This does not mean that they need medication, but it is a warning sign that they need to lower their blood pressure, mainly with non-drug approaches. "

"I do not say it's easy to change our way of life, but that's what it's all about," said Tulane University scientist in New Orleans.

Lower blood pressure naturally

It has long been known that hypertension can be reduced in many cases without medication.

In addition to a weight reduction, regular exercise - ideally endurance sports - and smoking waiver, above all, a balanced, healthy diet can help to reduce blood pressure.

Very important here is: salt only in moderation. A high salt diet can increase blood pressure. Not more than four to six grams of salt should be consumed per day. It should be noted that also in most finished products often large amounts of salt are included.

The diet should generally contain a lot of fruits and vegetables. Especially recommended are garlic, beetroot juices and hawthorn.

According to scientific research, hot chillies, purple potatoes and natural yoghurt can also reduce high blood pressure.

Also a magnesium supplement helps in many cases. Alcohol should be avoided as much as possible.

In addition, stress relief exercises such as yoga or autogenic training can be very effective and have a positive effect on high blood pressure levels.

Some home remedies for hypertension such as Kneipp's applications can provide good support.

European guidelines for hypertension

"The new guidelines give patients a voice because they give them the opportunity to ask healthcare providers, 'What's my risk?'" Said Jamerson from the University of Michigan.

"Consumers should get an explanation. Doctors should calculate the risk when they think about how to treat it. "

Also in this country, the blood pressure guidelines are likely to be adjusted. According to "Spiegel Online", Roland Schmieder from the University Hospital Erlangen said: "We are also likely to lower our target values ​​in Europe and Germany."

"But we will try to differentiate more to prevent overtreatment," said the expert involved in the preparation of the European Guidelines for Hypertension.

According to the information, the revised guidelines will be published in the summer of 2018 and will shortly be adapted to Germany.

"The scientific findings from recent years have clearly shown that it makes sense to aim for lower target values ​​than before," says Schmieder, according to the news magazine. "Whether the values ​​are lowered to 135/85 or 130/80 is still unclear."

Moderate blood pressure goals

The SPRINT study was arguably the most important scientific study that led to a reevaluation of previous blood pressure guidelines.

However, many are unaware that their results apply only to certain patients. The German high pressure league therefore only a few weeks ago pointed out that it adheres to "moderate targets".

"Due to the extended data according to SPRINT as well as related publications and meta-analyzes, we still recommend a general target value of less than 140/90 mmHg," explained Professor Dr. med. Bernhard Krämer, Chairman of the High Pressure League, in a statement.

According to reports, the moderate target blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg is currently achieved in less than 60 percent of patients. "The most important treatment goal for all doctors must therefore be that this blood pressure target is achieved," the expert said. (Ad)