Official Release:
This month, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology updated clinical guidelines for diagnosing and treating hypertension. These are the new categories for blood pressure:
- Elevated Blood Pressure is a reading of 120-129 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic. For adults with elevated blood pressure, healthy lifestyle changes and re-assessment in 3-6 months are recommended.
- High Blood Pressure/Stage 1 is systolic pressure between 130-139 OR diastolic pressure between 80-89. Depending on an individual’s heart and stroke risk, lifestyle changes or lifestyle changes plus medication are recommended.
- High Blood Pressure/Stage 2 is systolic pressure of 140 or higher OR diastolic pressure of 90 or higher. Lifestyle changes and medication are recommended.
Pro-Change’s newly revised Managing Blood Pressure program is the optimal population health solution for the estimated 46% of Americans who now meet the criteria for high blood pressure. For individuals with elevated blood pressure, the mobile-optimized behavior change program focuses on lifestyle changes including weight loss if needed, dietary changes based on the DASH Diet, regular exercise, moderate drinking, and smoking cessation. For individuals with High Blood Pressure Stage 1 or Stage 2 who have been prescribed medication, the program focuses on medication adherence as well as lifestyle changes.
The Managing High Blood Pressure program fits seamlessly into existing health and well-being initiatives and can provide an essential adjunct to clinical care. The program, available in English and in Spanish, includes a computer tailored intervention with individually tailored questions and feedback; a personal activity center with dynamic games, quizzes, and guidance matched to the individual’s readiness to change each behavior; and tailored text messages. Learn More about how the Managing Blood Pressure Program provides tailored behavior change guidance to adults with elevated or high blood pressure.