Summary
New guidelines in the United States define high blood pressure, or hypertension, more strictly than before. This change means nearly half of all Americans could now be classified as having high blood pressure. The updated rules suggest people need to pay more attention to their blood pressure and work with their doctors to manage it.
Key Facts
- Hypertension is the leading risk factor for heart disease and stroke.
- Heart disease, stroke, and dementia are top causes of death in the U.S.
- Only about 25% of Americans with high blood pressure have it under control.
- New guidelines for hypertension were released in August 2025 by major U.S. heart organizations.
- The definition of hypertension is now stricter, with lower blood pressure levels considered high.
- The old category of "prehypertension" has been removed.
- Systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure values are used to diagnose hypertension.
- Limiting alcohol intake is recommended as alcohol can raise blood pressure.
