American Heart Association (AHA) just unveiled updated guidelines for managing high blood pressure, impacting millions. The new recommendations, released this week, aim to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Crucially, the guidelines suggest starting treatment earlier, potentially even before blood pressure reaches the previous threshold of 140/90 mmHg. Experts now recommend initiating lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication for those with readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher. Skipping alcohol is also strongly advised.
The updated advice also highlights a significant benefit: lowering blood pressure reduces the risk of dementia. This reinforces the importance of proactive management for overall health and well-being. The guidelines are a collaborative effort between the AHA and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), reflecting the latest scientific evidence.
These changes, effective from 2025, represent a shift towards earlier intervention and a more holistic approach to blood pressure control. For more details, visit heart.org.
