Overview

• The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology now urge clinicians to act from 130/80 mmHg, prioritizing lifestyle changes for 3–6 months before adding medication if targets are not met.
• The guidance tightens daily sodium to 2,300 mg, ideally 1,500 mg, and advises avoiding alcohol because even small amounts can raise blood pressure.
• For readings more than 20/10 mmHg above target, the update recommends starting combination therapy immediately, with tighter monitoring for pregnancy and an emphasis on dementia risk reduction from good control.
• German coverage translates the advice into practice with DASH-style eating, weight loss, regular exercise including isometric training, stress reduction, and sleep hygiene.
• Practical food tips highlighted include potassium-rich options such as potatoes, garlic, and green tea, plus short‑term reductions reported with beetroot juice, while emerging injections and single‑source claims about excess BCAA are noted cautiously.