A new 2025 high blood pressure guideline from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology urges earlier prevention and treatment to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and even dementia. In fact, the guidelines confirm that intensive control of high blood pressure can reduce the risk of dementia by 12-19%. Nearly 30% of adults in Minnesota have been diagnosed with high blood pressure with many more unaware they are facing the “silent killer” making this a critical issue close to home.
The guideline emphasizes healthy lifestyle changes — like eating less sodium, staying active, and managing stress — along with earlier use of medication when needed.
The American Heart Association supports health care organizations, including many in rural areas, in best practices around the management of high blood pressure through the Target: BP initiative and has worked with libraries and other community spaces to increase access to free blood pressure selfmonitoring.
Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, which is the #1 preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, as well as kidney disease, cognitive decline and dementia.
A new joint guideline from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology advises earlier treatment that includes lifestyle modification and medications as appropriate, recommends close blood pressure management before, during and after pregnancy, and highlights using the new PREVENT risk calculator to estimate a person’s cardiovascular disease risk to tailor treatment. Things to know about the new guidelines:
1. There is stronger proof now that high blood pressure is linked to increased risk of cognitive decline and
dementia. If you have high blood pressure, lowering it now may help protect your brain health in the future.
2. High blood pressure is the leading risk factor for stroke and a number of heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation (AFib).
3. During or after pregnancy, you can develop high blood pressure, including a dangerous condition called preeclampsia. Checking blood pressure before, during and after pregnancy helps you and your health care team stay on top of your health. Talk to your health care professional about treatment options.
Link to PDF of high blood pressure chart during pregnancy.
4. Know your numbers: Normal blood pressure is when:
• Systolic pressure (top number) is less than 120 and
• Diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80 If your systolic is higher than 180 and/or your diastolic is higher than 120, it could be life-threatening. Call 911 right away if you have chest pain, sortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, and/or difficulty speaking
5. Anyone can develop high blood pressure. People are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly. This includes people in all age groups: children, young adults, adults and older adults.
6. To get the best blood pressure reading, sit in a chair with support for your back, both feet flat on the ground, arm extended and supported at heart level, stay quiet and still.
7. In addition to lifestyle changes, you may need medication. Learn more about the different types of high blood pressure medications.
