A universal application… but truly suitable?
Among the major changes: the elimination of the age-based classification . The new standards now apply to everyone , regardless of the number of candles on their birthday cake. As a result, many people over 65 find themselves classified as hypertensive… even though they feel perfectly fine!
But rest assured: a diagnosis does not automatically mean a prescription. These new guidelines do not systematically lead to treatment . Rather, they aim to encourage a personalized approach , which often begins with lifestyle changes .
Lifestyle: your best ally
The good news? Before resorting to medication, there are so many things you can try! A healthy diet , appropriate physical activity , weight and stress management … These fundamentals remain your best assets. The DASH or Mediterranean diets are particularly recommended for their positive impact on blood pressure. And for smokers or alcohol consumers, reducing these habits can make all the difference .
As for drug treatments , they are generally reserved for cases presenting a proven cardiovascular risk (history of stroke, heart attack, or high risk calculated by the doctor).
Taking your blood pressure at home: a healthy habit to adopt
Home blood pressure monitoring is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s an excellent initiative. With a suitable blood pressure monitor , you can track your blood pressure without stress , provided you follow a few simple rules: measure yourself at rest, always at the same time each day, sitting comfortably with your back straight and legs uncrossed .
This habit not only helps to identify any potential abnormalities , but also provides a more accurate picture of your blood pressure on a daily basis , far removed from the infamous “white coat effect” that can skew results during consultations.
