The American Heart Association has released new data and guidance on high blood pressure, emphasizing its disproportionate impact on Black communities in the United States. According to the organization, high blood pressure is the number one preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, yet nearly half of U.S. adults have the condition, and many are unaware. Currently, approximately 125.9 million (47.3%) of all U.S. adults are living with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. The burden is significantly higher in the Black community, where high blood pressure affects 62.3% of non-Hispanic Black men and 59.2% of non-Hispanic Black women, one of the highest prevalence rates in the world. Despite high rates of awareness, only about 22% (roughly 1 in 5) of Black adults with hypertension have the condition under control. In 2023, cardiovascular conditions heavily driven by uncontrolled high blood pressure claimed the lives of more than 119,000 Black Americans, enough to fill nearly two NFL stadiums.
Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., FAHA, FACC, volunteer co-vice chair of the writing committee for the Association’s 2025 high blood pressure guidelines and chair in preventative cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine, stressed the personal stakes: "Heart health is intensely personal, and scientific research shows us that one of the most important things you can do to be heart healthy is to manage your blood pressure. When you have high blood pressure, it's not just a number on a chart, it's your future at stake; it's your ability to stay present for the people you love. The good news is: managing your blood pressure is not that hard. The first step is awareness."
The American Heart Association recommends regular blood pressure checks, either at a doctor's office, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. According to the most recent guidelines, normal blood pressure is systolic (top number) less than 120 and diastolic (bottom number) less than 80. A single high reading is not usually cause for concern, but consistently high readings should prompt a discussion with a clinician. Extremely high readings—systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120—can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking.
A healthy lifestyle is key to managing blood pressure. The American Heart Association’s Life's Essential 8™ outlines science-backed habits: eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar. For those who still cannot control their blood pressure with lifestyle changes, safe and effective medications are available. The organization also offers the My Life Check calculator to provide personalized health goals.
New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to memory problems and dementia as people age. Additionally, it is critical for women to manage blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks. The American Heart Association’s PREVENTTM risk calculator helps doctors create personalized plans by estimating an individual's risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years, enabling tailored treatment that may include earlier medication.
Staying informed and taking action can help individuals and their loved ones live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit heart.org.
