- AHA now recommends treatment for elevated blood pressure starting at 120–129/under 80 mmHg.
- High blood pressure (130/80+) remains a treatment threshold under the 2025 guidelines.
- Goal: reduce U.S. hypertension rates and risks of stroke, heart disease, and chronic conditions.
High blood pressure (also known as hypertension) affects nearly half of American adults, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Having high blood pressure increases risk for stroke and heart disease, the leading causes of death in the U.S. Starting treatment for high blood pressure sooner could be the way to prevent more chronic heart conditions and events from occurring in high-risk adults.
This week, the American Heart Association (AHA) issued new guidelines surrounding high blood pressure, including what classifies as high blood pressure and when to start treatment. Here’s what to know about the new 2025 AHA High Blood Pressure Guidelines.
Normal blood pressure is still determined as having systolic blood pressure lower than 120 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure lower than 80 mmHg (120/80). Elevated or borderline high blood pressure still is classified as systolic blood pressure being from 120 through 129 mmHg with diastolic blood pressure less than 80 mmHg, but treatment was not encouraged. Now, treatment for elevated blood pressure is recommended by the AHA.
Those with high blood pressure (130/80 and above) will be recommended for treatment as well, per the new AHA guidelines. This is with hopes to crack down on high blood pressure rates skyrocketing in the U.S. High blood pressure has several risk factors, including health conditions like diabetes and obesity, family history, environment and lack of physical activity.
There are ways to lower or regulate blood pressure through a heart-healthy low-sodium diet and regular exercise, but you should talk to a healthcare provider if you have elevated blood pressure and are looking to explore more treatment options. The CDC also recommends prioritizing sleep, managing stress and limiting your alcohol intake to promote a healthy lifestyle.
If you’re starting a low-sodium diet, try highly-rated recipes like our Mango-Blueberry Chia Seed Smoothie for breakfast, Marry Me White Bean Salad for lunch or our One-Pan Chicken & Asparagus Bake for dinner. And if you want to include more movement in your routine, a walking plan designed for lowering blood pressure is a great place to start!
