Hypertension (HTN) is the most prevalent vascular disease in the world; an estimated 1 billion adults have it.¹ Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk increases exponentially as blood pressure (BP) increases², so it is important to consider BP management as a part of overall heart health. There are many different ways to address blood pressure within Integrative Health framework. Recognizing that detailed guidelines for medical management are widely available, this tool will briefly summarize the latest professional care guidelines for HTN management and then focus in greater detail on research findings related to self-care options and complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches. There are many options to manage BP that can be woven into Personal Health Plans (PHPs).

Blood Pressure Guidelines

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for 2019, which focus on prevention of heart disease in general, emphasize the following, which are consistent in many ways with an Integrative Health approach³:

• The “most important way” to prevent CVD and other heart problems is through “...a healthy lifestyle throughout life.”
• Team-based care is an effective strategy for prevention. The guidelines suggest that “Clinicians should evaluate the social determinants of health that affect individuals to inform treatment decisions.” This ties in closely with “Me” at the center of the Circle of Health–tailoring care to each individual based on their context. It also links to the “Community” circle, which is inclusive of social determinants and their influence on health and disease.
• Adults from 40-75 being evaluated for CVD prevention should have their 10-year risk calculated and be assessed for other risk-enhancing factors to determine whether medications should be started.
• All adults should consume a healthy diet (as described in the Food and Drink section, below). A healthy weight is key to preventing heart disease.
• As outlined in the Moving the Body section below, it is good to engage in 150 minutes weekly of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes weekly of vigorous-intensity activity.
• Treat people with type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes, and start with metformin (or other diabetes medications when needed) if medications are indicated. Always check on tobacco use; do not typically use aspirin. Treat lipid problems with statins.