Nearly Half of U.S. Adults Have High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle changes and medication can help lower blood pressure and reduce risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart failure

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:47pm

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Nearly half of all adults in the United States live with high blood pressure, often called a 'silent killer' because it can contribute to heart attack, stroke, and heart failure without causing symptoms. Lifestyle changes like following a heart-healthy diet, exercising, and reducing stress can help manage hypertension, along with medication when needed.

Why it matters

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and new evidence suggests it may also contribute to cognitive decline. Controlling high blood pressure through lifestyle modifications and medication can drastically improve health outcomes and reduce the burden of heart disease.

The details

Hypertension develops over time due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors like smoking, being overweight, and lack of sleep. It's more common in older adults, Black individuals, and men. Pregnant women can also develop hypertension, which requires treatment during pregnancy and ongoing cardiac monitoring afterward. The DASH diet, aerobic exercise, and isometric resistance training have all been shown to effectively lower blood pressure. Reducing sodium intake and alcohol consumption are also key. While medication is often needed to control hypertension, lifestyle changes can complement drug treatment and reduce the risk of complications.

  • Hypertension was once thought to primarily affect older individuals, but research now shows a growing proportion of people between the ages of 35 and 64 are dying from heart disease related to it.

The players

Dr. Eduardo Sánchez

Chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association.

Dr. Jennifer Cluett

Director of the Complex Hypertension Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

Dr. Fatima Coronado

Deputy scientific director of the division of heart disease and stroke prevention at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Martha Gulati

Director of the Davis Heart Center for Women at Houston Methodist Hospital.

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What they’re saying

“Hypertension is foundational because it's the most modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, and now, as evidence suggests, this may be true for cognitive decline as well.”

— Dr. Eduardo Sánchez, Chief medical officer for prevention at the American Heart Association

“The typical busy primary care clinic setting—where someone is sitting on an exam table with legs dangling and arm unsupported while someone is talking to them—is not ideal.”

— Dr. Jennifer Cluett, Director of the Complex Hypertension Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston

“Lifestyle changes help with more than just controlling your blood pressure.”

— Dr. Jennifer Cluett, Director of the Complex Hypertension Clinic at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston

The takeaway

Controlling high blood pressure through a combination of lifestyle modifications and medication when needed can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious health complications. Simple steps like monitoring your blood pressure, following a heart-healthy diet, and getting regular exercise can go a long way in managing this 'silent killer' and improving your overall cardiovascular health.