A key goal is to maintain systolic blood pressure below 130 mm Hg to protect brain health and prevent memory problems and cognitive decline caused by blood vessel damage.

The guidelines recommend regular screening for conditions like primary aldosteronism, using potassium-based salt substitutes, and maintaining blood pressure below 130 mm Hg to reduce cognitive risks.

Lifestyle changes are heavily emphasized, including limiting sodium intake to under 2,300 mg daily, following the DASH diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing stress, engaging in 75-150 minutes of weekly physical activity, and using home blood pressure monitors for tracking.

The new recommendations advocate a proactive approach, urging individuals to adopt healthy habits before considering medication, with sodium intake ideally below 1,500 mg daily.

Individuals with systolic blood pressure between 130 and 139 are advised to first try lifestyle modifications for three to six months before considering medication.

Special attention is given to pregnant women, emphasizing early treatment, ongoing monitoring, and home blood pressure tracking to prevent complications such as preeclampsia.

Blood pressure classifications now define normal as below 120/80 mm Hg, with elevated levels from 120-129/80 mm Hg, and treatment recommended for readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, including stage 1 hypertension.

The guidelines now recommend complete abstinence from alcohol, limiting intake to no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women, due to its harmful effects on blood pressure.

The updated guidelines incorporate the latest scientific evidence and utilize tools like the PREVENT risk calculator to assess long-term cardiovascular risks based on personal factors such as age, sex, blood pressure, and social determinants.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology have released new 2025 guidelines for managing high blood pressure, emphasizing earlier intervention, personalized treatment, and lifestyle modifications to prevent serious health issues like heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.

These updated guidelines, replacing the 2017 version, focus on treating blood pressure starting from 130/80 mm Hg, with a strong push for early detection and proactive management.

Weight loss, even minimal, is encouraged for obese individuals, with at least a 5% reduction in body weight recommended, and options like medications or surgery for severe cases.