© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

New Blood Pressure NormsNormal < 120/80

Prehypertension 120-139 / 80-89

High blood pressure 140/90+

Healthy People 2010 Leading Health Indicator

JNC 7 Report, JAMA May 21, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure

28.7 27.130.1 30.9

65.4

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

All adults Men Women Blacks Age 60+

BP 140/90+

Per

cent

(%

)

JAMA 290:199-206, Jul 9, 2003

Prevalence of High Blood Pressure

• All adults 29% (58.4 million people)

– Men 27%– Women 30%– African-Americans34%

• Persons 60+ yrs old 64%

• Increase since 1990 4%

JAMA 290:199-206, Jul 9, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Blood Pressure

1. Maintain a healthy weight- BMI less than 25, or

- Lose 10-15 pounds

- BP drops 5-20 points with 10 kg wt loss

JNC 7 Report, JAMA May 21, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Blood Pressure

2. Follow the DASH diet eating plan - Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables

- 8 to10 servings per day

- Use non or low fat dairy products - Include whole grains, nuts, and legumes - Limit foods high in saturated fat (e.g. meats, butter) - BP drops 8-14 points on the DASH diet

JNC 7 Report, JAMA May 21, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Blood Pressure

3. Reduce sodium intake - Eat less salt and salty foods

- Limit sodium intake to 2400 mg/day or less

- Limiting sodium reduces BP by 2-8 points

JNC 7 Report, JAMA May 21, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Blood Pressure

4. Engage in regular aerobic physical activity - At least 30 minutes per day

- Most days of the week, daily when possible

- Moderate activities such as brisk walking

- BP drops 4-9 points with increased activity

JNC 7 Report, JAMA May 21, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC

Lifestyle Modifications to Lower Blood Pressure

5. Limit alcohol intake, if used at all - Alcohol raises blood pressure

- BP drops 2-4 points by limiting alcohol

JNC 7 Report, JAMA May 21, 2003

© 2003, PrevMedix LLC JAMA 288:1882-88, Oct. 16, 2002

Blood Pressure Reduction and Mortality