The American Heart Association (AHA) is sounding the alarm on high blood pressure, the number one preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. According to the organization, approximately 125.9 million (47.3%) of all U.S. adults now live with high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. Of those, only about 1 in 4 adults (25.6%) have it under control. In 2023, high blood pressure was a primary or contributing factor in the deaths of more than 664,470 people in the U.S., nearly equivalent to the passenger capacity of over 1,300 jumbo jets.
“Heart health is intensely personal, and scientific research shows us that one of the most important things you can do to be heart healthy is to manage your blood pressure,” said Keith C. Ferdinand, M.D., FAHA, FACC, volunteer co-vice chair of the writing committee for the Association’s 2025 high blood pressure guidelines and chair in preventative cardiology at Tulane University School of Medicine. “When you have high blood pressure, it's not just a number on a chart - it's your future at stake; it's your ability to stay present for the people you love. The first step is awareness.”
The AHA emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers. According to the most recent guideline from the American Heart Association, normal blood pressure is when systolic pressure (top number) is less than 120 and diastolic pressure (bottom number) is less than 80. The organization recommends regular blood pressure checks, whether at a doctor's visit, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. If systolic pressure exceeds 180 or diastolic exceeds 120, it could be life-threatening, and individuals should call 911 immediately, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking.
Lifestyle changes are the first step to managing blood pressure. The AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 outlines key habits: eat smart, be active, quit tobacco and nicotine, sleep well, manage weight, manage blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and manage blood sugar. For those who still cannot control their blood pressure, safe and effective medications are available. The AHA also offers the My Life Check calculator for personalized health goals.
New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, potentially leading to memory problems and dementia. The AHA stresses that controlling blood pressure is essential for cognitive health. For women, managing blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy is critical, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks.
Doctors now have new tools like the AHA’s PREVENT risk calculator to create personalized treatment plans, estimating the risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years. The AHA urges everyone to talk to their doctor about blood pressure and take action to live a longer, healthier life.
