Nearly half of adults in the US are living with high blood pressure, a leading risk factor but preventable for cardiovascular disease, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, kidney disease, and even memory decline. Faced with this situation, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have published an updated guideline for diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure, based on the latest scientific evidence.
According to Dr. Daniel W. Jones, Rector and Honorary Professor of the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and Chairman of the Steering Committee, the 2025 updates "open up opportunities to help patients live longer and healthier thanks to early and comprehensive intervention.
Diagnosis unchanged, but more drastic approach
The new guidelines maintain the diagnostic thresholds for blood pressure. Specifically, normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm mercury; blood pressure increases to 120 - 129/80 mm mercury; and blood pressure increases when it is 130/80 mm mercury or higher. An important difference lies in the treatment strategy, with a tendency to intervene earlier with medication if lifestyle changes are not effective after three to six months.
Dr. Scott Jerome, Director of Outpatient Services and Community Access in Cardiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasized that medication does not replace a healthy lifestyle. "Even after taking medication, patients still need to maintain exercise and a balanced diet to sustainably control blood pressure," he said.
6 essential tips to lower blood pressure, according to new guidelines
First, start treatment with medication earlier when necessary.
Second, reduce salt consumption to below 2,300 milligrams per day, ideally 1,500 milligrams.
Third, abstain from alcohol or minimize alcohol consumption.
Fourth, manage stress through exercise, meditation, deep breathing or yoga.
Fifth, reduce at least 5% of body weight in overweight or obese people.
Sixth, adopt a DASH diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains and low-fat foods.
According to Dr. Allen Taylor, Head of Cardiology at MedStar Heart and Blood Institute in Washington, monitoring blood pressure at home and sharing measurements with doctors is key to maximizing new guidelines. "Knowing your number is the first step to protect your heart," he affirmed.
