New Guidelines for Managing High Blood Pressure Released by AHA and ACC
Introduction
The American Heart Association (AHA) has recently released new guidelines for blood pressure management, in collaboration with the American College of Cardiology (ACC). These guidelines, released on August 14, 2025, are aimed at addressing high blood pressure in adults, a condition that affects nearly half of the American population.
Key Details
The new guidelines focus on the importance of early detection and prevention of high blood pressure. It recommends that adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more frequently for those at risk. The AHA and ACC also emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, in managing and preventing high blood pressure.
Impact
These new guidelines have significant implications for the healthcare industry and individuals alike. Early detection and management of high blood pressure can lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs. It also highlights the importance of incorporating healthy habits into our daily lives to prevent the development of high blood pressure.
About the Organizations Mentioned
American Heart Association
The **American Heart Association (AHA)** is the oldest and largest voluntary organization in the United States dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death globally. Founded nearly 100 years ago, it has evolved into a relentless force focused on improving cardiovascular health and extending healthy life expectancy through research, advocacy, education, and community initiatives[3][6]. AHA’s mission is to be “a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives,” with a strategic 2030 Impact Goal to equitably increase healthy life expectancy in the U.S. from 66 to at least 68 years and worldwide from 64 to at least 67 years by 2030[1][5]. This ambitious vision guides its investments in cutting-edge research, quality improvement programs, and advocacy for policies that promote access to care, healthy environments, and health equity[1][4]. Key achievements include funding more cardiovascular research than any U.S. organization except the federal government—over $6 billion since 1949—and contributing to significant reductions in death rates from stroke (13.6%) and heart disease (15.1%) since 2018[3]. Through initiatives like Mission: Lifeline EMS, the AHA improves prehospital care for heart attacks and strokes, optimizing patient outcomes[8]. The organization also advances health equity by addressing social determinants of health and expanding care access across diverse and underserved populations, including rural and LGBTQ+ communities[2]. Its workforce is a collaborative mix of staff, volunteers, donors, and partners united by a shared purpose and cultural awareness[2]. Notable for its comprehensive policy advocacy, the AHA influences healthcare reform, community health, and maternal health policies based on scientific consensus, shaping health systems and public health at multiple levels[4]. Overall, the American Heart Association combines scientific rigor, community engagement, and policy influence to drive innovative solutions in cardiovascular health, making it vital for business and technology sectors interested in health innovation and impact.
American College of Cardiology
## Overview The **American College of Cardiology (ACC)** is a leading nonprofit medical association based in Washington, D.C., with a mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health worldwide[1]. Established in 1949 by a group of 13 cardiologists—including Franz Groedel, Bruno Kisch, Max Miller, and Philip Reichert—the ACC was founded as a teaching institution to advance the field of cardiovascular medicine through education, research, and the development of clinical guidelines[1][4][5]. Today, it boasts nearly 49,000 members, including physicians, nurses, and other cardiovascular professionals[8]. ## What the Organization Does The ACC is a multifaceted organization focused on credentialing cardiovascular specialists, setting clinical practice standards, and supporting research and education in cardiology[1]. It plays a significant role in shaping health policy, advocating for cardiovascular patients, and providing continuing medical education through conferences, publications, and digital platforms. The College also collaborates with other major organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA), to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes[2]. ## History and Key Achievements The ACC’s origins trace back to the post-World War II era, when cardiology was emerging as a distinct medical specialty[1][4]. The College quickly became a hub for professional development, launching its first scientific sessions and establishing “Heart House” in Bethesda, Maryland, in 1977 as its headquarters before moving to Washington, D.C., in 2006[1]. A pivotal moment in ACC’s history was its expansion into international outreach in the 1960s under the leadership of Eliot Corday, who initiated programs that brought U.S. cardiologists to underserved regions worldwide, effectively creating a “medical Peace Corps”[3]. The College has also been instrumental in developing clinical guidelines that shape global cardiovascular care and in pioneering virtual participation at its annual meetings, making high-quality education accessible to a global audience[
