The revised guidelines from the American Heart Association emphasise that for adults, the blood pressure — a serious risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular issues — should now be less than 120/80 mm/Hg. Previously, the threshold for concern was 130/90 mm/Hg. The latest guidelines, published in the journal Hypertension, also reiterated the importance of lifestyle changes to help control blood pressure. “For all adults, lifestyle changes, including maintaining or achieving a healthy weight, following a heart-healthy eating pattern (such as DASH [Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension]), reducing sodium intake, increasing dietary potassium intake, adopting a moderate physical activity program, managing stress, and reducing or eliminating alcohol intake are strongly recommended to prevent or treat elevated blood pressure and hypertension,” the guidelines mentioned.
The revised guidelines also emphasise that one should aim for a sustained five per cent reduction in body weight or = or more than 3 kg/m2 reduction in BMI; “expect about 1 mm Hg reduction for every 1-kg reduction in body weight,” it noted.
Readings are now classified as:
Elevated: 120 to 129 / less than 80 mmHg
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130 to 139 / 80 to 89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140 or higher / 90 mmHg or higher
As such, we consulted an expert to understand how reducing body weight by 5% or more can help individuals, especially those with diabetes, lower their hypertension risk.
For people with diabetes or metabolic syndrome, these stricter cut-offs are especially important, said Dr Vijay Negalur, HOD, diabetology, KIMS Hospitals, Thane. “Even mildly elevated readings, which were once thought harmless, can speed up damage to blood vessels, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. This is why we now recommend tighter BP control for diabetic patients,” said Dr Negalur.
How does cutting just 5 per cent of body weight help?
Dr Negalur said that excess weight and diabetes often go together, and both contribute to high blood pressure. “Fat around the abdomen increases insulin resistance, raises insulin levels in the blood, and stiffens arteries. This combination raises BP,” said Dr Negalur.
The good news is that even losing 5 per cent of body weight can lower blood pressure by 5 to 10 mmHg. “For someone with diabetes weighing 80 kg, losing just 4 kg can relieve BP and also improve blood sugar control while reducing the risk of heart and kidney problems. This dual benefit makes weight management one of the most effective treatments we have,” said Dr Negalur.
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Dr Laxman Gaikwad, senior consultant, interventional cardiologist, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, said that on average, shedding this amount is linked to about a 5 mmHg drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. “Remember, there will be less cardiac strain as the heart pumps through fewer tissues, reduced insulin resistance, lower inflammation, and improved kidney function with less sodium retention. Likewise, losing five per cent of body weight supports healthier blood pressure regulation, even before reaching larger weight loss goals,” said Dr Gaikwad.
Here’s what to keep in mind about weight loss (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
What should diabetic patients keep in mind?
Don’t ignore ‘borderline BP: In diabetes, even 125 to 130/80 mmHg is risky for long-term heart, kidney, and eye health, said Dr Negalur.
Lifestyle is the first treatment: The DASH diet, reducing salt intake (to less than 1500 mg per day), and eating potassium-rich foods work together with blood sugar management.
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Stay active: Getting at least 150 minutes of exercise each week helps improve insulin sensitivity and lowers BP.
Regular monitoring: Checking BP at home and having annual kidney function tests are vital for diabetics.
Individualised goals: Some patients may need medication sooner to prevent organ damage.
For people with diabetes, the revised BP norms are a “wake-up call”. “Even small, realistic steps, like losing five per cent of weight, can make a significant difference in protecting the heart, kidneys, and eyes,” said Dr Negalur.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
