Connect with us

Local News

New ruling could mean 30 million more have high blood pressure

Published

on

AMA changed treatment parameters to 130/80 

Around 30 million more Americans now have high blood pressure thanks to a ruling by the American Heart Association.

The change lowers the breaking point where patients should be treated from 140/90, to 130/80. Normal blood pressure is 120 over 80. The changes also lower the level of blood pressure for which patients should be medicated.

The ruling could make health care costs skyrocket, according to Dr. Sam Setty, a cardiologist with Gundersen Health System of La Crosse. Setty says the testing, medication and follow-up visits required of high blood pressure patients would contribute to those costs.

“This is an enormous translation into health care dollars,” Setty said.

She added that the guidelines also suggest going away from normal blood pressure tests with one reading, because the person might be stressed at that moment because of the test itself and then it won’t be accurate.

Born in Decorah Iowa. I've been a news reporter for the last 10 years, starting right out of college in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Other professional opportunities led me to Marshalltown, Iowa and Antigo Wisconsin, before I finally was afforded the opportunity here in La Crosse. I've been here since 2016. I also act as the voice of local sports, doing play by play of high school and college football and basketball. When not working I enjoy golfing.

Continue Reading
2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Ronald Vincent

    November 18, 2017 at 11:11 am

    A comprehensive guide to control high blood pressure in an effective way is available at http://cure-high-bp.blogspot.com, it gives a tried and tested remedy to high blood pressure.

  2. Ronald Vincent

    November 21, 2017 at 11:20 am

    Treating high blood pressure can take a multi-pronged approach including diet changes, medication, and exercise. One can get rid of high blood pressure by following the strategy given at http://cure-high-bp.blogspot.com A number of patients got cured by using this therapy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *