Heart Health 101: Catching Blood Pressure Early

The latest European guidelines warn that blood pressure can pose risks even before it reaches traditionally high levels. The 120‑139/70‑89 mm Hg range is now defined as “elevated.”

Who Should Act Now?

• Individuals in the elevated range, especially those with additional health concerns.

First Step: Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise regularly
• Choose foods low in salt
• Limit alcohol intake
• Lose weight if needed
• Quit smoking

When to Add Medication

If, after three months, the pressure remains above 130/80 mm Hg and the person has:

• Heart disease
• Heart failure
• Moderate‑to‑high risk score

then doctors will prescribe medication.

When Pressure Reaches 140/90 mm Hg

• Initiate a low‑dose drug combo and lifestyle tweaks simultaneously.
• Aim to keep systolic pressure between 120 and 129 mm Hg, unless the person is very old or frail.

Resistant Hypertension

For those whose pressure stays high despite treatment:

• Spironolactone is recommended.

Alternative Option

An option for some patients is a kidney‑nerve procedure called renal denervation.

These steps aim to prevent serious heart problems before they start.