Health Ministry Article – November 2025 (“New Blood Pressure Guidelines”)

a message from Asbury’s Health Ministry Team

“New Blood Pressure Guidelines”

by Asbury’s Health Ministries Team

The American Heart Association has published new blood pressure guidelines:

• Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure (BP) (≥130/80 mm Hg), which is the #1 preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, as well as kidney disease, cognitive decline, and dementia.
• A new guideline from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology advises earlier treatment, including lifestyle modification and medications as appropriate, recommends close BP management before, during, and after pregnancy, and highlights using the new PREVENT™ risk calculator to estimate a person’s cardiovascular disease risk to tailor treatment.
• The guideline also reinforces the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as eating a nutritious diet, being physically active, and maintaining or achieving a healthy weight.
• Recent research confirms that BP affects brain health, including cognitive function and dementia, so early treatment is recommended for people diagnosed with high BP to maintain brain health and cognition.
• High BP before, during, and after pregnancy is important to monitor and treat quickly to reduce the risk of short- and long-term serious complications including preeclampsia.

Source: New high blood pressure guideline emphasizes prevention, early treatment to reduce CVD risk | American Heart Association

The mission of the Health Ministry Team is to integrate health and faith through encouragement of individuals to live healthier lives in mind, body and spirit. Visit the Health Ministry Team page to learn more about the team and their impact.