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What's New in Heart Health

By Chester Robson, DO, MHCDS, FAAFP
What's New in Heart Health

Take care of your heart with these updated guidelines for heart-healthy medications, recommendations and exercise.

Blood pressure level recommendations:

When you test your blood pressure, your readings show two numbers: a systolic number (pressure in your arteries when your heart beats) and a diastolic (pressure in arteries between heart beats). Currently, American Heart Association says high systolic pressure numbers are around 140 mm Hg. However, a new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that patients who decreased their systolic pressure to 120 mm Hg or lower with medication and lifestyle changes had fewer deaths from cardiovascular disease.

Cholesterol guidelines:

Cholesterol levels have been traditionally recommended to stay below certain numbers. But new cholesterol guidelines focus instead on calculating your cardiovascular risk. Determine your risk with the ASCVD risk assessment tool.

There are also new cholesterol-lowering medications called PCSK9-inhibitors. They meant are for people who can't tolerate statins, who can't get their cholesterol to a controlled level, or those who have a genetic condition called Familial Hypercholesterolemia (those with high LDL levels and early cardiovascular disease). PCSK9-inhibitors are highly effective and are taken as injections, but are much more expensive than other cholesterol medicines.

Exercise duration:

The American Heart Association has expanded their recommendations on how long, how often and what types of exercise you need to maintain a healthy heart.

For overall heart health:

  • 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 5 days per week = 150 minutes/wk.
    OR
  • 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic active 3 days per week = 75 minutes/wk.
    AND
  • Moderate to high intensity muscle strengthening activity at least 2 days per week.

For lowering blood pressure and cholesterol:

  • An average of 40 minutes of moderate—vigorous aerobic activity 3—4 times/week

Maintaining a healthy heart begins with healthy lifestyle changes.

Chester Robson is the Medical Director of Clinical Programs and Quality for Walgreens. He is dedicated to improving the healthcare experience through patient-centered technology, evidence-based medicine, and innovative delivery models.

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