American Heart Association releases new guidelines for blood pressure management
In the US, nearly half of adults (46.7%) have high blood pressure, and it's still the single most modifiable risk for death worldwide. This new guideline doesn't just outline targets, it puts you at the center, blending lifestyle, science, and real-world tools. Whether you're looking after your own health or supporting a loved one, it's about feeling empowered, not overwhelmed.
Prevention first, but be ready to act fast
Still the star of the show: lifestyle.
Think heart-healthy diet, less salt, exercise, stress management, you know the drill. But the new guidance encourages early treatment, when needed, to help ward off not just heart attacks and strokes, but also kidney issues, type-2 diabetes, and even memory decline and dementia. Yes, your brain, too, is in the game.
A smarter risk calculator: PREVENT
Meet PREVENT, the brand new risk calculator debuting in 2023, now officially part of the guideline lineup. It estimates your 10- and 30-year risk of heart trouble by weighing age, blood pressure, cholesterol, and even zip code, as a nod to social determinants of health
Sharper lab tests
Kidneys and hormones get a closer look: the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test is now routine for all hypertensive patients, not optional anymore.
. On top of that, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio test, used to detect a specific hormone-driven type of high blood pressure (primary aldosteronism), now applies to more people, especially if you also have sleep apnea or stage 2 hypertension.
Brain health gets a spotlight
Turns out, your blood pressure isn't just a heart and kidney issue, it's a brain issue, too. Even slight increases can chip away at memory and cognition. That's why the guideline now targets a systolic (upper number) goal of under 130 mm Hg, especially to protect your brain.
Medication gets personalized
For many adults, especially those juggling type-2 diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease, one pill might not do it. The updates encourage starting with drug classes like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, or thiazide diuretics. If stage 2 hypertension (140/90 mm Hg or up), a combo pill, two drugs in one, is often the way to go. And for some individuals struggling with obesity, adding newer options like GLP-1 medications (yes, the ones often in the headlines) may make sense.
Pregnancy gets a careful tune-up
Hypertension during pregnancy is no joke, with risks like preeclampsia or even preterm delivery. The guideline steps up: recommending low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) for some, tighter blood pressure control during pregnancy (140/90 mm Hg threshold), and continued monitoring postpartum, because high blood pressure can hang around after childbirth.
The lifestyle hot sheet: Real, doable, effective
Here's your personal game plan:
Salt: Keep it under 2,300 mg/day, ideally closer to 1,500 mg.
Hint: packaged and restaurant foods are the main culprits, not the salt shaker.
Alcohol: Skip it if you can. If not, aim for no more than two drinks/day for men, one for women.
Stress: Not evict it, just manage it. Exercise, meditation, breathing checks, yoga, pick your calm.
Weight: A modest 5% reduction can go a long way.
Diet: Go for DASH, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy oils.
Exercise: At least 75–150 minutes per week of cardio and/or strength training. You got this.
Home Monitoring: Don't just trust clinic readings—track your numbers at home too. It helps you, and it helps your doctor personalize treatment.
'High blood pressure is the most common and most modifiable risk factor for heart disease,' said Chair of the guideline writing committee Daniel W. Jones, M.D., FAHA, dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, and was a member of the writing committee for the 2017 high blood pressure guideline.
'By addressing individual risks earlier and offering more tailored strategies across the lifespan, the 2025 guideline aims to aid clinicians in helping more people manage their blood pressure and reduce the toll of heart disease, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and dementia,' he told Eurekalert.
The guideline, led by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines, has been developed in collaboration with other health care organizations: the American Academy of Physician Associates; the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; the American College of Clinical Pharmacy; the American College of Preventive Medicine; the American Geriatrics Society; the American Medical Association; the American Society of Preventive Cardiology; the Association of Black Cardiologists; the National Medical Association; the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association; and the Society of General Internal Medicine.
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Time of India
14 hours ago
- Time of India
American Heart Association releases new guidelines for blood pressure management
If you've ever been puzzled by blood pressure numbers or wondered what's really changed in the guidelines, you're in the right place. On August 14, 2025, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), along with a slew of trusted partners, dropped their 2025 guideline for preventing, detecting, evaluating, and managing high blood pressure in adults. In the US, nearly half of adults (46.7%) have high blood pressure, and it's still the single most modifiable risk for death worldwide. This new guideline doesn't just outline targets, it puts you at the center, blending lifestyle, science, and real-world tools. Whether you're looking after your own health or supporting a loved one, it's about feeling empowered, not overwhelmed. Prevention first, but be ready to act fast Still the star of the show: lifestyle. Think heart-healthy diet, less salt, exercise, stress management, you know the drill. But the new guidance encourages early treatment, when needed, to help ward off not just heart attacks and strokes, but also kidney issues, type-2 diabetes, and even memory decline and dementia. Yes, your brain, too, is in the game. A smarter risk calculator: PREVENT Meet PREVENT, the brand new risk calculator debuting in 2023, now officially part of the guideline lineup. It estimates your 10- and 30-year risk of heart trouble by weighing age, blood pressure, cholesterol, and even zip code, as a nod to social determinants of health Sharper lab tests Kidneys and hormones get a closer look: the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio test is now routine for all hypertensive patients, not optional anymore. . On top of that, the aldosterone-to-renin ratio test, used to detect a specific hormone-driven type of high blood pressure (primary aldosteronism), now applies to more people, especially if you also have sleep apnea or stage 2 hypertension. Brain health gets a spotlight Turns out, your blood pressure isn't just a heart and kidney issue, it's a brain issue, too. Even slight increases can chip away at memory and cognition. That's why the guideline now targets a systolic (upper number) goal of under 130 mm Hg, especially to protect your brain. Medication gets personalized For many adults, especially those juggling type-2 diabetes, obesity, or kidney disease, one pill might not do it. The updates encourage starting with drug classes like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium-channel blockers, or thiazide diuretics. If stage 2 hypertension (140/90 mm Hg or up), a combo pill, two drugs in one, is often the way to go. And for some individuals struggling with obesity, adding newer options like GLP-1 medications (yes, the ones often in the headlines) may make sense. Pregnancy gets a careful tune-up Hypertension during pregnancy is no joke, with risks like preeclampsia or even preterm delivery. The guideline steps up: recommending low-dose aspirin (81 mg/day) for some, tighter blood pressure control during pregnancy (140/90 mm Hg threshold), and continued monitoring postpartum, because high blood pressure can hang around after childbirth. The lifestyle hot sheet: Real, doable, effective Here's your personal game plan: Salt: Keep it under 2,300 mg/day, ideally closer to 1,500 mg. Hint: packaged and restaurant foods are the main culprits, not the salt shaker. Alcohol: Skip it if you can. If not, aim for no more than two drinks/day for men, one for women. Stress: Not evict it, just manage it. Exercise, meditation, breathing checks, yoga, pick your calm. Weight: A modest 5% reduction can go a long way. Diet: Go for DASH, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and healthy oils. Exercise: At least 75–150 minutes per week of cardio and/or strength training. You got this. Home Monitoring: Don't just trust clinic readings—track your numbers at home too. It helps you, and it helps your doctor personalize treatment. 'High blood pressure is the most common and most modifiable risk factor for heart disease,' said Chair of the guideline writing committee Daniel W. Jones, M.D., FAHA, dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi School of Medicine in Jackson, Mississippi, and was a member of the writing committee for the 2017 high blood pressure guideline. 'By addressing individual risks earlier and offering more tailored strategies across the lifespan, the 2025 guideline aims to aid clinicians in helping more people manage their blood pressure and reduce the toll of heart disease, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and dementia,' he told Eurekalert. The guideline, led by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines, has been developed in collaboration with other health care organizations: the American Academy of Physician Associates; the American Association of Nurse Practitioners; the American College of Clinical Pharmacy; the American College of Preventive Medicine; the American Geriatrics Society; the American Medical Association; the American Society of Preventive Cardiology; the Association of Black Cardiologists; the National Medical Association; the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association; and the Society of General Internal Medicine. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Independence Day wishes, messages , and quotes !
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Hindustan Times
New blood pressure guidelines urge zero alcohol and earlier hypertension treatment
The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) have published new guidelines on the prevention and management of hypertension with their first major update in six years, as per CNN Health. The change that stands out most is the revision of the treatment initiation thresholds as well as the complete cessation of alcohol intake. AHA and ACC share new guidelines on the prevention of hypertension (Freepik) Hypertension Prevalence and Risks The AHA and ACC estimated that almost half of the adult population in the United States is classified as having hypertension. The World Health Organization calls hypertension is commonly called the 'silent killer' disease as it is mostly asymptomatic. The AHA and ACC further explain that in more severe cases, patients may have symptoms such as headaches, breathlessness, light-headedness, or epistaxis. It is important to control blood pressure as these symptoms tend to occur in the later stages of the illness. The thresholds have not changed, with the AHA and ACC defining normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mmHg, elevated from 120-129/80 mmHg, and hypertension as 130 mmHg. Systolic blood pressure is the first number, a contraction of the heart, and the second number is the pressure during heart relaxation, or diastolic blood pressure. Also read: Doctor shares what happens when diabetes and hypertension co-exist, know the signs and lifestyle habits to better manage Key Changes in the New Guidelines Under the latest recommendations, people diagnosed with stage 1 hypertension with a systolic reading between 130 and 139 will first be directed to the diet and activity intervention stream. They will be advised on regular exercise, a healthy diet, low salt intake, and a regular routine. Now treatment is advised after three to six months with no lifestyle changes to diet. This is a shift from the 2017 guidelines, which usually started treatment at 140. Another big change is the guideline recommending no alcohol consumption whatsoever. Prior guidelines accepted alcohol intake in moderation. However, new studies show that alcohol is a risk factor for hypertension for most people. 'We put forward the ideal as abstinence,' Dr. Daniel Jones, the AHA guideline writing committee chair and a professor emeritus at the University of Mississippi School of Medicine, said. The guidelines also recommend limiting sodium intake to 2,300 mg a day, with 1,500 mg being optimum, alongside increasing potassium through food or potassium-containing salt substitutes. Additionally, following the DASH diet, which encourages intake of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, and low-fat dairy, is beneficial. Adopting the right strategies is important in managing stress and healthy body weight. 150 minutes of exercise is ideal to see results. Individuals with a high body mass index are recommended to reduce 5% of their body weight. Women who are pregnant or planning to conceive a baby should closely monitor their blood pressure, as high BP can be harmful for both the mother and the child. Reducing blood pressure is beneficial for the kidneys, too, and reduces the risk of dementia. If Blood pressure is left unchecked, it can lead to other serious issues. Such as Kidney damage, heart disease, brain stroke, and loss of vision. Over time, it can also cause the blood vessels to be damaged and increase the risk of life-threatening problems such as coronary artery tamponade and cardiac arrest. If it is diagnosed and managed timely manner, it can lead to reversal of the disease, leading to a healthy life. FAQs Q1. What is considered high blood pressure? A1. A reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher. Q2. Can lifestyle changes lower blood pressure? A2. Yes, through diet, exercise, and stress management. Q3. Is there a need for medication at all? A3. Under normal circumstances, no, although medication may be necessary in the case of elevated readings.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Doctor shares natural ways to lower cholesterol without medication
High cholesterol is often a silent threat, gradually increasing the risk of serious health problems like heart disease and stroke without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. The good news, however, is that you don't always need medication to start lowering it. Small, consistent changes to your diet and lifestyle can have a big impact, and many of them are surprisingly simple. Dr. Madison Brown, a family medicine physician assistant with 24 years of experience, recommends these natural, research-backed ways to bring your cholesterol into a healthier range. Eat more soluble fiber Foods like oats, lentils, chia seeds, and flax seeds are rich in soluble fiber, which binds to cholesterol in your digestive system and helps carry it out of the body through waste. A meta- analysis in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that just 5–10 grams of soluble fiber a day can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol by about 5%. The fiber forms a gel-like substance in the gut, trapping cholesterol before it enters your bloodstream. Adding a bowl of oatmeal or sprinkling flax seeds into your smoothie is a simple, tasty way to start. Fill your plate with plants Fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds don't just add color to your meals; they bring plant sterols and stanols, natural compounds that help block the absorption of cholesterol. According to the National Cholesterol Education Program, consuming about 2 grams of plant sterols daily can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 10%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sore Knees? These Foods Could Be Your Natural Solution Undo Plants also offer antioxidants that protect your arteries and more fiber to help clear cholesterol. Swap trans fats for healthy fats Trans fats, often found in processed snacks, fried foods, and some margarines, can raise LDL cholesterol and lower HDL ('good') cholesterol. The American Heart Association recommends replacing these with healthier fats, like those from olive oil, avocado, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon or sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids from these foods not only support heart health but can also lower triglycerides and slightly raise HDL. A diet rich in healthy fats improves the balance between 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol, keeping your arteries clearer and your heart happier. Get moving every day You don't need an intense gym routine to boost your cholesterol profile. Experts advise that 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week can increase HDL levels while also improving blood circulation. Physical activity helps enzymes move LDL from the blood to the liver, where it can be processed and removed. Cut back on sugar and refined carbs High sugar and refined carb intake can raise triglyceride levels, which increases your risk of heart disease. A study found that people getting more than 25% of their calories from added sugar had a higher risk of dying from heart-related issues. Reducing sugary drinks, candies, white bread, and pastries can help bring triglycerides down and keep blood sugar steady. "Get the latest news updates on Times of India, including reviews of the movie Coolie and War 2 ."
