New hypertension guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology lower the threshold for diagnosis and emphasize lifestyle changes. The updated criteria are stricter, impacting millions. A new risk calculator, PREVENT, personalizes treatment plans. Recommendations include limiting alcohol, adopting the DASH diet, increasing physical activity, and reducing salt intake. These changes aim to improve management and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia, major killers in the U.S.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.