Researchers from the University of North Carolina have played a key role in shaping new national guidelines for diagnosing and treating high blood pressure.
These updated guidelines were recently released by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), and they include the work of UNC School of Nursing’s Dr. Leslie Davis and UNC School of Medicine’s Dr. Sidney C. Smith Jr.
The new guidelines aim to improve how high blood pressure is diagnosed, monitored, and managed. They replace the previous 2017 version and now include new tools and evidence, all aimed at preventing heart attacks, strokes, and other serious conditions.
High blood pressure is still the most common and preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. It has also been linked to memory problems, dementia, and pregnancy complications like pre-eclampsia.
The guidelines still recommend that adult s aim to keep their blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. But they now also provide specific guidance for patients in nursing homes, those with limited life expectancy, and pregnant individuals.
One of the biggest changes is the addition of the AHA PREVENT Risk Calculator, a new tool to help predict a person’s risk for heart disease.
The updated guidelines also highlight Life’s Essential 8—a checklist for healthy living that includes eating well, staying active, and avoiding smoking. Regular blood pressure checks, including at home, are encouraged for all age groups.
For some people, lifestyle changes may not be enough, and medication might be needed to start treatment earlier. The guidelines also make it easier to recognize the warning signs of extremely high blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.
Dr. Leslie Davis, a nationally recognized expert in cardiovascular nursing, brought her expertise in patient education and long-term care to the guideline writing group. She is also a fellow in several professional nursing and heart health organizations and is certified in hypertension care.
Dr. Davis said the most effective way to help patients manage their blood pressure is by involving them directly in their care through home monitoring and shared decision-making. She believes the same kind of collaboration is what made the new guidelines possible.
Dr. Sidney Smith has been shaping heart health guidelines for many years and has led several major efforts in the past. He emphasized three main ways the new guidelines can help: working closely with patients, getting the whole health care team involved—including nurses and pharmacists—and using home blood pressure monitoring.
These steps, he says, can go a long way in helping more people get their blood pressure under control.
With these new guidelines, the AHA and ACC hope to make a lasting impact on how high blood pressure is treated across the country. By combining the latest research with practical tools and advice, they aim to help both patients and health professionals work together to improve heart health.
The study is published in Circulation.
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