The American Heart Association (AHA) has released new guidelines for high blood pressure treatment, emphasizing the importance of earlier intervention, lifestyle changes, and minimal alcohol consumption. The guidelines reaffirm the core recommendation that adults aim to achieve a blood pressure reading of less than 130/80 mmHg.
According to experts, the intensity of treatment depends on the presence of hypertension-related disease, with slightly greater treatment for people with chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, and a high risk of cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attack.
The guidelines recommend starting with lifestyle changes, such as diet, salt intake reduction, and weight loss, for three to six months. If blood pressure remains above target, medication may be added. The authors also emphasize the role of hypertension in dementia later in life and highlight the benefits of intensive lowering of blood pressure.
Minimizing dietary sodium intake is crucial, with an ideal goal of 1,500 mg per day, and experts suggest using potassium-based salt substitutes, reading nutrition labels, and avoiding high-sodium foods. Additionally, pregnant women need to monitor their blood pressure closely during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The guidelines recommend a balanced diet, such as the DASH diet, along with regular exercise and weight loss of 5% body weight for improved cardiovascular health. Other effective weight loss interventions include GLP-1 drugs and bariatric surgery.
While there are no major changes to the general recommendations, the updated guidelines provide timely and up-to-date information on managing blood pressure through lifestyle therapy and medication, if necessary. By making informed choices, individuals can reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and chronic kidney disease.
Source: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/aha-new-hypertension-guidelines-2025