High blood pressure update emphasizes early treatment and pregnancy care

The 2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline, from the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, brings fresh, evidence-based recommendations to help adults manage hypertension more effectively. The guidance, updated from 2017, reflects the latest clinical research and offers practical strategies for early treatment, medication use, and special considerations during pregnancy.

High blood pressure remains the most common and controllable risk factor for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and even dementia. The new guideline sets a clear treatment goal: keep blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg for all adults.

Early intervention is key, especially for people with readings above 140/90 mm Hg or those with additional risks such as diabetes or kidney disease. In these cases, medication is recommended to complement lifestyle changes such as healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. Those with stage 2 hypertension should start with a single-pill combination of two medications to improve adherence and speed up control.

One notable addition is the use of the PREVENT™ risk calculator(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window), which helps health care professionals personalize care based on a patient’s long-term cardiovascular risk.

Pregnancy is another focus. The guideline offers tailored recommendations to protect both maternal and fetal health, recognizing the unique risks and treatment needs during this critical time.

It also emphasizes team-based care, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and community health workers, to overcome barriers and improve access to medications. Home blood pressure monitoring is also encouraged, though smartwatches and cuffless devices are not yet reliable enough for clinical use.

Read the complete report here(link opens in new window)(link opens in new window).