The 2025 High Blood Pressure Guidelines: What Africans Need to Know

By Adebowale Bello. B.Tech Microbiology, Freelance Health Writer. Medically reviewed by the DLHA team.

Cartoon illustration depicting hypertension stage 1 blood pressure measurement against a background of management options for hypertension as recommended in the AHA/ACC/Multisociety 2025 High Blood Pressure guidelines. Click on image to enlarge. Base image adapted from Freepik.  

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a silent health threat affecting millions worldwide. In Africa, its prevalence is rising, leading to an increase in heart disease, strokes and kidney problems. The American College of Cardiology (ACC), American Heart Association (AHA) and other medical societies have updated the recommendations for managing hypertension in the 2025 High Blood Pressure Guidelines. These guidelines aim to provide clearer, more effective strategies for prevention, detection and treatment, with a focus on early intervention and lifestyle changes.

The Guidelines

The 2025 HBP Guidelines build upon the 2017 version, incorporating new research and evidence gathered up to early 2025. The guidelines serve as a comprehensive resource for healthcare providers, offering practical strategies to improve blood pressure control through accurate measurement and standardized treatment protocols. Key updates include the use of the PREVENT™ risk calculator to guide treatment decisions, new recommendations for specific groups such as pregnant women and those with resistant hypertension and an emphasis on team-based care, home monitoring and single-pill combinations.

5 Things to Know About the Guidelines

The guidelines highlight several critical areas in the management of high blood pressure:

1. Lifestyle Modifications Matters

Emphasising the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors, the guidelines recommend:

• Diet: Adopting a heart-healthy diet, such as the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan, which includes reducing sodium intake and consuming a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 75-150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, including activities like walking, jogging or cycling.
• Weight Management: Maintaining or achieving a healthy weight, with a goal of at least a 5% reduction in body weight for individuals who are overweight or obese.
• Stress Reduction: Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, breathing exercises or yoga.

2. Early Treatment

The guidelines recommend initiating blood pressure-lowering therapy for individuals with stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension and clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).

3. Use of the PREVENT™ Risk Calculator

This tool helps estimate a person's 10- and 30-year risk of cardiovascular disease, guiding healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions.

4. Expanded Laboratory Testing

The guidelines suggest the use of the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio to assess kidney health and the aldosterone-to-renin ratio to screen for primary aldosteronism, a condition that can cause secondary hypertension.

Special Populations:

Updated recommendations include tighter blood pressure control during pregnancy and postpartum monitoring to reduce the risk of complications.

What the Guidelines Mean for Africans

For Africans, the 2025 HBP Guidelines offer valuable insights into managing high blood pressure effectively:

• Early Detection: Regular blood pressure checks can help identify hypertension early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the risk of complications.

• Lifestyle Changes: Embracing a diet rich in local fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, and managing stress can significantly impact blood pressure control.

• Access to Healthcare: Utilizing available healthcare resources, including home blood pressure monitoring devices, can aid in consistent monitoring and management.

• Community Support: Engaging in community health programs and seeking support from healthcare professionals can enhance adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications.

While the guidelines provide comprehensive clinical recommendations, it's essential to consider the following too:

• Medication Adherence: Consistent use of prescribed medications is crucial in managing high blood pressure effectively.

• Cultural Considerations: Understanding and integrating cultural dietary practices can improve the acceptance and success of lifestyle modifications.

• Healthcare Access: Ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and resources is vital for the successful implementation of these guidelines.

Wrap Up

The 2025 High Blood Pressure Guidelines offer a comprehensive approach to managing hypertension, emphasizing early detection, lifestyle modifications and personalized treatment strategies. For Africans, adopting these recommendations can lead to better health outcomes and a reduction in the burden of cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choice and community support play pivotal roles in controlling high blood pressure and enhancing overall well-being.

Source: American Heart Association News Release

Related:

Hypertension in Nigerian Adults: Essential things to know

The role of diet in the control of Hypertension

Best exercise for blood pressure control

Published: October 3, 2025

© 2025. Datelinehealth Africa Inc. All rights reserved.

Permission is given to copy, use and share content for non-commercial purposes without alteration or modification and subject to source attribution.