A lot of people are suddenly suffering from high blood pressure, all because of a change in the way doctors are now defining the condition. The doctors and other experts, from the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and nine other groups, are moving the goal line for blood pressure control, meaning about half of U.S. adults — about 103 million — could now be diagnosed with hypertension. It’s known as the "silent killer," second only to smoking as a preventable cause of early death. The guidelines call on patients to work toward a lower goal – a reading of no more than 130/80, down from the old standard, 140/90.

            Dr. Kamal Gupta is a cardiologist at The University of Kansas Health System. In the video, he explains why the standards have changed. He also answers the claim that this is just an excuse to sell more blood pressure medication. He has advice for people who are in the 130/90 to 140/90 range who suddenly find themselves in the high blood pressure zone. He also explains why he thinks this is something that will catch on in doctors’ offices around the country fairly quickly.

            The video also shows a patient getting her blood pressure checked.