The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have issued new guidelines to minimize hypertension. The updated recommendations emphasize the importance of limiting alcohol consumption and sodium intake to reduce blood pressure.
Men should limit their daily alcohol intake to two drinks, while women should limit it to one drink per day. Reducing alcohol consumption by at least 50% is associated with healthy blood pressure levels. Experts also recommend reducing salt intake to 2,300 mg per day, with an ideal target of 1,500 mg per day.
To manage blood pressure, the guidelines encourage a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH eating plan, which prioritizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean meats. Regular exercise is also recommended, with at least 75-150 minutes of physical activity every week.
According to the report, nearly half of adults in the US have higher-than-normal blood pressure, and heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. The new guidelines take a more personalized approach by recommending treatment for stage 1 hypertension rather than just stage 2.
The factors that influence blood pressure include diet quality, physical activity, weight, age, obesity, sleep disturbances, and environmental exposures. By addressing individual risks earlier and offering more tailored strategies, the updated guidelines aim to help clinicians manage their patients’ blood pressure and reduce the toll of heart disease, kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes, and dementia.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/14/new-blood-pressure-guidelines-less-alcohol-earlier-treatment/85667682007