whether it's now okay to have HIGHER blood pressure

Patients will ask whether it's now okay to have HIGHER blood pressure...based on recommendations in new hypertension guidelines.

When should high blood pressure be treated? Most patients will continue to get an antihypertensive med for BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg...to lower their risk of stroke and heart attack.

But don't be surprised if some people aren't treated until their "systolic" BP, or top number, reaches 150 mmHg. This will be the case for many folks who are 80 years or older...pushing BP too low can lead to dizziness and falls in older patients.