Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure, the top preventable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney disease, and even dementia.

For the first time since 2017, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology recently updated their guidelines to help people with high blood pressure lower their numbers.

“The 2025 updates represent a new accumulation of evidence that gives people better opportunities for longer and healthier lives,” said Daniel W. Jones, MD , dean and professor emeritus of the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine and chair of the guideline writing committee.

Blood Pressure Measures Stay the Same

The levels for normal, elevated, and high blood pressure —measured by using a

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