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New blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend more aggressive treatment for high blood pressure, including complete alcohol abstinence. The updated guidelines lower the threshold for medication intervention to a systolic blood pressure of 130 mmHg, emphasizing lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and weight management. They also highlight the importance of blood pressure control in preventing dementia and complications during pregnancy. The DASH diet and reduced sodium intake remain key recommendations.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.