Blood Pressure Too High? Maybe Not

If you have been worried about high blood pressure, you may be able to relax a bit. New guidelines were released Wednesday that suggest that people over 60 can have a higher blood pressure than previously thought. High blood pressure is not something to be taken lightly. It is often referred to as the ‘silent killer’ because many times there are little or no symptoms and it can cause heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure. One in three Americans has high blood pressure. In the past, patients were given medication if their blood pressure exceeded 140/90. But now, for patients 60 years or older, the new guidelines say their blood pressure can reach up to 150/90 without treatment. But, local family physician, Dr. Hope Short, says this new guideline is not for everyone/ Alexa Vogt , KETK. More here.

Question: Do these guidelines change things for you re: the need for blood-pressure medication?