The American Heart Association (AHA) has updated its official recommendations for dealing with high blood pressure, replacing the old rules from 2017. These new guidelines are the result of a deep look into the latest research, providing doctors and patients with better information on how to understand, prevent, and treat high blood pressure. They are designed to be a clearer, more effective guide for everyone. High blood pressure is one of the biggest silent killers globally. Although many people suffer from it, most do not make the necessary changes to ensure that their health doesn’t deteriorate. A global estimate of about 1.28 billion adults aged 30-79 years has hypertension, according to the World Health Organizations (WHO). It is also estimated that 46% of these people are unaware that they have the condition. To ensure that people keep their health in check, government and health institutions issue health guidelines that help people take care of their health. What Are The Latest Changes To High Blood Pressure Guidelines? The new guidelines highlight several key points: Brain Health There is now stronger evidence linking high blood pressure to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Managing your blood pressure now may help protect your brain in the future. Leading Risk Factor High blood pressure remains the top risk factor for serious health problems like stroke, coronary artery disease, heart failure, and AFib. Pregnancy-Related Hypertension The new guidelines feature specific blood pressure categories for pregnant individuals to help detect serious risks, such as preeclampsia. Regular blood pressure checks are now considered crucial. It's important for expectant mothers to monitor their blood pressure closely before, during, and after pregnancy to ensure their health and the safety of their baby. Normal blood pressure is when your top number is less than 140 and your bottom number is less than 90.Hypertension in pregnancy is when your top number is 140 or higher, or your bottom number is 90 or higher.Severe hypertension is when your top number is 160 or higher, or your bottom number is 110 or higher.Tips for Managing Your Blood Pressure You can take steps to manage or prevent high blood pressure through a combination of lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication. For the most accurate reading, sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and arm extended at heart level. Dietary ChangesAim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day (about one teaspoon of salt). The ideal goal is less than 1,500 mg.Follow a heart-healthy diet like the DASH eating plan, which focuses on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy.Drinking less or no alcohol can help lower your blood pressure.Losing even a small amount of weight (at least 5% of your body weight) can help lower blood pressure. For example, if you weigh 180 pounds, losing just 9 pounds can make a difference.Activities like meditation, controlled breathing, or yoga can help.Ask your healthcare professional about other conditions that can cause high blood pressure, such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and thyroid problems.What Does General Blood Pressure Look Like? It's important for everyone to understand their blood pressure numbers. The new guidelines classify blood pressure into these categories:Normal: Your top number is less than 120 and your bottom number is less than 80. Elevated: Your top number is between 120 and 129, and your bottom number is less than 80. Stage 1 Hypertension: Your top number is between 130 and 139, or your bottom number is between 80 and 89. Stage 2 Hypertension: Your top number is 140 or higher, or your bottom number is 90 or higher. A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that occurs when your blood pressure is higher than 180/120. If your blood pressure reaches this level and you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or numbness, you should call emergency services. If you need a health and diet guide, you can follow the ‘Life’s Essential 8’, the guideline that helps keep our health a priority by the American Heart Association.