Blood pressure of 130/80 is the new ‘high’ due to a recent change in the diagnostic guidelines. This now means 46% of the US population is considered hypertensive overnight.

On Monday, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released new blood pressure guidelines that may be getting you nervous about your heart attack and stroke risk. They recently changed the guidelines to state that anyone with blood pressure from 130/80 to 139/89 is no longer pre-hypertensive but is now diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension. This means almost half the US population are now considered hypertensive. These new guidelines are based on a review of many studies that showed chances of dying from a heart attack or stroke double at 130/80 vs the previous guideline of 140/90.

How does this new guideline affect you?

This is not a time to pull the fire alarm and request urgent medication from your doctor. However, it is the time to start a discussion with your doctor about how you can be proactive in preventing heart disease. High blood pressure is predominately life-style driven. When you focus on a diet that is high in whole foods, low in processed foods & sugar, and getting regular exercise you can start to lower blood pressure and reduce your risk for heart disease.

Taking proper vitamins and minerals can also be beneficial in reducing your blood pressure as well. Research studies have shown that magnesium, both dietary and supplemental, can have significant blood pressure lowering effects. Receiving a comprehensive assessment of your metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers to get a full-spectrum view of your health is important in determining your treatment options.

Ultimately, focusing on a whole-foods based, nutrient-dense diet while managing your stress correctly and getting regular exercise is the key to lowering blood pressure and reducing heart disease risk.

At Minneapolis Integrative Medicine Center, we do a comprehensive assessment of important biomarkers to determine your risk of heart disease. We can help you lower your blood pressure naturally and safely, while making the appropriate supplement & herbal recommendations.

Our annual membership model has all the tools to allow you to be well and stay well. 

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Dr. Cassie Wilder

Dr. Cassie Wilder is a registered Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) and founder of MIMC. Her passion is empowering her patients through education, understanding, and support through their healing journey. After graduating from Iowa State University with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology and Health, Dr. Wilder earned her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine & Health Sciences, a fully accredited and nationally recognized institution in Phoenix, AZ. During her clinical training, she received extensive hands-on training with many leading experts in the field of functional medicine and developed a passion for treating hormonal imbalances, thyroid disorders, cardiovascular concerns, and adrenal fatigue.