Whatever happened to pre-hypertension?

For years, people were told, “Your blood pressure is not high yet. It is only pre-hypertension.”

Then the term seemed to disappear.

It did not disappear because those readings became harmless. Newer guidelines divided the old category into more specific groups.

Depending on the exact reading and the guideline your clinic uses, you may now hear elevated blood pressure, high-normal blood pressure or stage 1 hypertension.

One unexpected reading is not a reason to panic. But please do not dismiss it as “only borderline.”

Repeat the measurement correctly on different days. Keep a record and discuss persistent readings with your clinician.

The name may have changed. The opportunity to act early remains.

Tomorrow, we will look at the actual numbers and explain what the upper and lower readings mean.

#HeartAndStrokeMonth

#HealthyLivingWithDrKetch