Do You Have Hypertension? American Heart Association Updates Blood Pressure Guidelines, More People At Risk Of Heart Disease, Stroke

The American Heart Association has redefined what counts as high blood pressure. Here’s what the new categories mean for you and how to manage the ...

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do you have hypertension? american heart association updates blood pressure guidelines, more people at risk of heart disease, stroke

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blood pressure has long been called the “silent killer.” It rarely causes obvious symptoms, but over time, it can quietly damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, and brain. Now, new guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) mean that many more Americans could find themselves officially diagnosed with hypertension, even if their readings were once considered borderline.

What Is Normal Blood Pressure & The New Blood Pressure Categories

Your blood pressure is made up of two numbers:

Systolic (the top number): pressure when your heart beats
Diastolic (the bottom number): pressure when your heart rests

Until now, doctors used four main categories: normal, prehypertension, stage 1 hypertension, and stage 2 hypertension. “Prehypertension”, a range between 120–139 systolic or 80–99 diastolic, was seen as a warning zone. Here’s how the AHA now defines blood pressure:

Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
Elevated: 120–129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic
Stage 1 Hypertension: 130–139/80–89 mmHg
Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
Hypertensive Crisis: 180/120 mmHg or higher

The older “prehypertension” category (120–139/80–99) is gone. Instead, even slightly elevated readings are now a signal to take action. Doctors say that knowing your numbers earlier gives you a chance to make changes before medication becomes necessary. Tools like the free PREVENT risk calculator can help you understand your personal risk of heart disease and stroke by factoring in cholesterol, blood pressure, medical history, and more.

Lifestyle Changes Recommended To Keep Your BP In Check

While the guidelines do allow for medication in some cases, the biggest push is for lifestyle changes. The AHA notes that even small daily adjustments can significantly lower blood pressure and protect the heart.

Less Alcohol

A 2023 meta-analysis involving 20,000 participants showed that systolic blood pressure rises about 1 mmHg for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed. That’s roughly two-thirds of a standard beer. Over time, even modest drinking can raise risks.Men: No more than two drinks per dayWomen: No more than one drink per day

Cut Back On Salt

Americans consume, on average, more than double the recommended daily sodium intake. The guidelines urge adults to stay under 2,300 mg per day, ideally closer to 1,500 mg. Following the DASH diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and whole grains) has been proven to lower blood pressure.

Physical Activity

Physical activity remains one of the most powerful tools. Research shows that every 30 minutes of weekly aerobic exercise lowers systolic blood pressure by 2 mmHg and diastolic by 1 mmHg. Even brisk walks count.