Nearly 50% of adults in the US have high blood pressure, a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and even dementia.
For the first time since 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology have updated their guidelines to help patients manage their blood pressure. "The 2025 update synthesizes new evidence, offering the opportunity for longer and healthier lives," said Dr. Daniel W. Jones, chair of the writing committee for the guidelines.
The levels for normal blood pressure, prehypertension, and hypertension remain the same: normal is below 120/80 mmHg, prehypertension is between 120-129/80 mmHg, and hypertension is 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Here are 6 key takeaways from the new guidelines for people with high blood pressure:
Start medication sooner. The guidelines recommend that doctors prescribe medication earlier, especially if lifestyle changes are ineffective after 3-6 months. Dr. Jones noted that new research confirms high blood pressure is also a factor in cognitive decline.
Dr. Scott Jerome, Director of Outpatient Services at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, stated that even with medication, doctors still encourage maintaining healthy habits like exercise and a balanced diet.
Reduce salt intake. Limit sodium to less than 2,300 mg per day (about one teaspoon of salt) and aim for no more than 1,500 mg daily.
The AHA advises checking food labels because Americans consume most of their sodium from packaged and restaurant foods. When cooking, try potassium-based salt substitutes and add potassium-rich foods like bananas, spinach, mushrooms, and cantaloupe.
Limit alcohol. The new guidelines recommend abstaining from alcohol. For those who choose to drink, limit intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.
A 2023 study in the journal Hypertension found that each additional alcoholic drink can raise blood pressure over time, even in people without hypertension.
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The new guidelines recommend abstaining from alcohol. Photo: Henryford |
The new guidelines recommend abstaining from alcohol. Photo: Henryford
Manage stress. Stress is linked to heart disease. The guidelines recommend exercise and stress-reduction techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
In addition, the guidelines still recommend 75-150 minutes of exercise per week, including aerobic activities like brisk walking and strength training.
Lose weight. Aim to lose at least 5% of body weight for those who are overweight or obese. Consult a doctor about dietary changes, injectable weight-loss medications like Wegovy or Zepbound, or weight-loss surgery.
Follow the DASH diet. The 2025 guidelines continue to recommend a healthy diet, especially the DASH diet, which focuses on low salt and high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, poultry, and fish.
According to Dr. Allen Taylor, Chair of Cardiology at the MedStar Heart Institute in Washington, knowing your blood pressure numbers is crucial for applying the guidelines. He recommends having a home blood pressure monitor, sharing the readings with your doctor, and reporting any changes for lifestyle and medication adjustments.
My Y (Verywell Health)
