Current widespread guidelines for blood pressure may be outdated, according to a report published in The Journal of the American Medical Association, which suggests that people over 60 can have a higher blood pressure before starting treatment to lower it.
Patients have been told to strive for blood pressures below 140/90, with some taking multiple drugs to achieve that goal, for more than 30 years. After five years of reviewing evidence, and weighing the risks associated with the medications used to bring pressures down, the guidelines committee concluded that the goal for people over 60 should be 150/90.
The group added that people over 60 who already take medications to lower blood pressure can continue if they are not experiencing side effects, but that there is a difference between lowering blood pressure with drugs and having lower pressure naturally.
"We have this notion that if we can get blood pressure to normal, we will have the most health benefits," said Dr. Paul A. James, co-chairman of the guidelines committee. "That's not necessarily true." Read the full details here:
Hypertension Guidelines Can Be Eased, Panel Says
If you have high blood pressure, you should read this article.
If you or anyone in your family has suffered serious side effects or damages from a medication error you should seek legal investigation immediately. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.