American Heart Association Highlights Urgency of Managing High Blood Pressure as Leading Preventable Risk Factor

Nearly half of U.S. adults now live with high blood pressure, yet many remain unaware of their condition, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). In a new release, the organization highlights that high blood pressure is the number one preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke, and stresses the importance of regular monitoring and lifestyle changes.

Currently, approximately 125.9 million U.S. adults—47.3%—have high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. Of those, only about 1 in 4 (25.6%) have it under control. The consequences are severe: 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 recommends getting blood pressure checked regularly, including at home using a monitor or at a pharmacy kiosk. According to the most recent guideline, normal blood pressure is systolic less than 120 and diastolic less than 80. A single high reading is not usually cause for concern, but consistently high readings should prompt a discussion with a clinician. Extremely high readings—systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120—can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.

Lifestyle modifications are the first line of defense. 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 cannot control their blood pressure through lifestyle alone, safe and effective medications are available. The My Life Check™ calculator offers personalized tips to set health goals.

New research confirms that high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the brain, potentially leading to memory problems and dementia. Taking action now is essential for protecting cognitive health. The AHA also emphasizes that women should manage blood pressure before, during, and after pregnancy, as high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart risks.

Clinicians now have access to the AHA’s PREVENT™ risk calculator, which estimates a person’s risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years, enabling personalized treatment plans. “Staying informed and taking action can help you and your loved ones live a longer, healthier life,” the AHA states. For more information, visit heart.org.