under pressure

If you’ve always had borderline high blood presssure, don’t be surprised if you are diagnosed with o cially at your next checkup. According to new guidelines announced by a dozen medical groups at an American Heart Association conference, high blood pressure is now considered to be a reading of 130 over 80, rather than the previous reading of 140 over 90, adding 30 million Americans to the list of those who have the condition. In 90 percent of cases, high blood pressure is the direct result of poor diet, lack of exercise and other bad habits, such as smoking or alcoholism.

Here are the newest guidelines from the American Heart Association: Normal: Under 120 over 80

Elevated: Top number 120-129 and bottom less than 80

Stage 1: Top of 130-139 or bottom of 80-89

Stage 2: Top at least 140 or bottom at least 90 Blood pressure should be checked at least once a year by a health professional.