Important New 2025 Blood Pressure Guidelines Just Crashed Happy Hour!

Somewhere between the clink of wine glasses and the “just one beer” that turns into three, theAmerican Heart Associationand the American College of Cardiology slid a note across the bar:No alcohol is most effective. Not “cut back,” not “stick to moderation” …. just a polite littlepsstthat your heart would be much happier if you didn’t pour anything amber, red, or bubbly into your glass at all. It’s a love letter to your arteries, but it reads a lot like a break-up with happy hour. And it’sdifferentthan what they’ve historically told us. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. It’s recorded as two numbers: The general categories: Alcohol: Ideal choice:Skip it entirely for ideal BP and heart vitality. If you do drink:Women – up to 1 drink/day; Men – up to 2/day. Why the change? New research showsanyalcohol can raise blood pressure, and there’s no cardiovascular wellness boost to starting or continuing alcohol use. Earlier Treatment: If your BP stays elevated after3–6 monthsof wellness lifestyle adjustments, your doctor may recommend medication—even before hitting the old 140/90 threshold. In the past, many people didn’t start medication until they hit Stage 2 (140/90 or higher). Now, if your readings are in theStage 1 rangeand way of living changes (like eating pattern, active exercise, sodium reduction) haven’t lowered them after3–6 months, your doctor may recommend starting treatment sooner. Healthy living Goals: Sodium:≤2,300 mg/day (1,500 mg is even better). Potassium:Get more from food or smart salt alternatives. Eating lifestyle:Follow theDASH eating lifestyle—fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins, low-fat dairy. Activity:Aim for150 minutes/weekof moderate movement practice. Other vitality links:High BP harms kidneys, brain physical wellness, and pregnancy outcomes, so prevention matters at every stage of life. High blood pressure isn’t just a number; it’s a silent threat linked to: Heart attack, Stroke, Heart failure, Kidney damage, Dementia and Vision Loss Globally,1 in 3 adultshas high blood pressure, and it contributes to millions of death/year. Every 20-point rise in systolic BP or 10-point rise in diastolic BPdoubles your riskof a cardiovascular event. Thegood newsis that it is a modifiable mindful lifestyle factor, meaning you can lessen it to a health-supporting level through eating lifestyle, active exercise and emotional strain relief. For decades, we’ve lived in a“happy hour” and “lets do drinks”culture, where moderation was the holistic health party line. This new stance—“No alcohol is top-tier”—is a big messaging change. It doesn’t ban alcohol, but it’s a reminder that your body functions ideal when you skip it. And if you choose to drink, the limits are clear. The bottom line? Your arteries don’t care how well-crafted the cocktail is. They care how much pressure they’re under. Interestingly, this shift in messaging come at a time in America when self-reporting drinking is at an all-time low. According to Gallup,54% of Americansreported drinking alcohol in 2025. From 1997 through 2023, more than 60% of Americans reported drinking alcohol. It fell to 58% in 2024, and now a record low of 54%. (Gallup has surveyed in America since 1939!) I haven’t had a drink in months and I feel so much better. I’m not saying I’ll never drink again. I might on special occasions, but it’s definitely not part of my normal daily ritual. I didn’t give it up for my blood pressure. I gave it up because even a small amount left me foggy, low vitality and in a depressed mood the next day. That effect only got worse as I got older. I also didn’t want the extra calories, and I realized I often ordered a drink socially just because it felt like an expectation. I’m reminded of a time that a friend and I crashed a priest’s birthday party at a NYC restaurant. We did not know him and none of the parishioners knew us. To fit in, we held red Solo cups and stood against the wall, as if as long as we were holding those drinks, we looked like we belonged. You know, hold the drink, fit the mold. Honestly, I don’t understand how “let’s get a drink” became everyone’s default for dating, business or mental tension relief. Why? I’m consuming calories I don’t may benefit from, setting myself up to feel fatigued and low the next day and the relationship or deal probably will not work out anyway. The kicker? I don’t even like it. I know other people do and I’m not judging them. I’m just judging myself for not quitting sooner. These days I will take“Let’s go for a hike”over a cocktail any time, preferably somewhere in nature. At least the trees will not make me bloat. In addition to this piece on new 2025 blood pressure guidelines, please check out these other blood-pressure related gems in the blog or on the podcast: Check out this blog/podcast onstanding desks and blood pressure! Dr. Bethany Gibbs was outstanding on this topic, and she’ll get you to rethinking standing desks. Also, what is thebest physical activity for maintaining a good blood pressure? The results might surprise you! You can contact Dr. Eeks atbloomingwellness. com. Follow Eeks onInstagramhere. OrFacebookhere. OrX. OnYoutube. OrTikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her monthlynewsletter here! (Now featuring interviews with top experts on well-being you care about!)