BLOOD PRESSURE

Nearly half of americans have high blood pressure and according to the american heart association

Are doctors' current guidelines?

Jessica lang reports.

:00 :15 nearly half of americans have high blood pressure, and according to the american heart association.

Many don't even know they have it.

Sarasota's first physicians group dr. nicholas sakellarios says the danger of undetected high blood pressure can come at an even higher cost.

(sot: dr. nicholas sakellarious / physician) "the dangers of having unrecognized high blood pressure are increased chance of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, it's the leading cause of kidney failure, and as well as the eyes can be affected.

Organs of the body get affected in very bad ways, so that's why it's important to control."

Now, research published in jama cardiology finds levels of blood pressure that are typically considered normal, can still be high enough to cause damage.

So what is good, or even normal blood pressure?

Dr. sakellarios says the goal is still 120/80.

(sot: dr. nicholas sakellarious / physician) "the old guidelines were actually higher; they were 140/90, so now we've lowered it to 120/80 based on studies over the last couple of years.

However there is always the risk of going too low.

You don't want to lower someone's blood pressure too low, then you cause symptoms of lightheadedness potentially leading to falls, so there is a balance there."

While there are risk factors associated with blood pressure, dr. sakellarios explains there are ways to prevent and control hypertension.

(sot: dr. nicholas sakellarious / physician) "keep as close to an ideal body weight as you can, which is hard.

Stop smoking.

Alcohol