The American Heart Association is sounding an urgent alarm about high blood pressure, which remains the leading preventable risk factor for heart disease and stroke despite affecting nearly half of U.S. adults. According to new data, approximately 125.9 million people—47.3% of adults—now have high blood pressure, an increase from previous years. Yet 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 Dr. Keith C. Ferdinand, 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 Association emphasizes the importance of knowing your numbers. Normal blood pressure is defined as systolic pressure less than 120 and diastolic pressure less than 80. Regular monitoring can be done at a doctor’s office, with a home blood pressure monitor, or at a pharmacy kiosk. A single high reading is not usually cause for concern, but consistently high readings warrant a conversation with a clinician. Extremely high blood pressure—systolic above 180 or diastolic above 120—can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, vision changes, or difficulty speaking.
Simple lifestyle changes are the first step in managing blood pressure. The Association’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 need additional help, safe and effective medications are available. The My Life Check calculator provides 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. Managing blood pressure is essential for cognitive health as we age. Women face unique risks: high blood pressure during pregnancy can lead to serious complications and increase future heart problems.
Personalized care is now easier with tools like the American Heart Association’s PREVENT risk calculator, which helps doctors estimate a patient’s risk of heart attack or stroke over the next 10 to 30 years and tailor treatment plans accordingly. Staying informed and taking action can help individuals and their loved ones live longer, healthier lives.
