The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued updated guidance on high blood pressure, underscoring its status as the number one preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. According to the AHA, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults—47.3% of the adult population—now live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. Of those, only about 1 in 4 adults (25.6%) have the condition under control. In 2023, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing factor in the deaths of more than 664,470 people in the U.S., nearly equivalent to the passenger capacity of over 1,300 jumbo jets.
“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,” said 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. “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 first step is awareness.”
The AHA emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure checks, whether at a doctor’s office, with a home monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. According to the latest AHA guideline, normal blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure less than 120 and diastolic pressure less than 80. A single high reading is not usually cause for concern, but consistently high readings warrant a discussion with a clinician. Extremely high readings—systolic over 180 or diastolic over 120—can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
Lifestyle changes remain the cornerstone of blood pressure management. The AHA’s Life’s Essential 8—eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar—are proven habits to protect heart health. For those who cannot control their blood pressure through lifestyle alone, safe and effective medications are available. The AHA’s My Life Check calculator provides personalized tips to set health goals.
New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, leading to memory problems and dementia. The AHA notes that managing blood pressure is essential for cognitive health. Additionally, women are urged 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 AHA has introduced the PREVENT risk calculator, a tool that helps clinicians create personalized treatment plans by estimating a patient’s risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years. This allows for tailored interventions, including earlier medication if needed. “Don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor,” the AHA advises. For more information, visit heart.org.
