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? Patients under age 60 and those with diabetes or kidney disease will continue to get an antihypertensive med for blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg...to lower stroke and heart attack risk.

But don't be surprised if some people aren't treated until their BP reaches 150/90 mmHg. This will be the case for many folks over age 60...pushing BP too low can lead to dizziness and falls in older patients.