Final answer:
The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association redefined hypertension in 2017 as a blood pressure measurement of >130/80 mmHg, aiming to promote earlier intervention and reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association revised the blood pressure guidelines, changing the definition of hypertension to a blood pressure reading of >130/80 mmHg. This was a decrease from the previous threshold of >140/90 mmHg. The goal of this change is to encourage earlier intervention, thereby reducing the long-term health risks associated with high blood pressure, such as heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Hypertension is often a silent condition, meaning many individuals are unaware of their elevated blood pressure levels. Consequently, this lack of awareness can lead to serious complications. Hence, this adjustment emphasizes the importance of regular monitoring and management of blood pressure to prevent these adverse outcomes.