New blood pressure guidelines recommend cutting back on alcohol

 New guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology address high blood pressure, a condition affecting nearly half of US adults and increasing risks of heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

A primary recommendation is to significantly reduce sodium intake, with an ideal daily limit of 1,500 milligrams, down from the current average consumption of 3,400 milligrams.

The guidelines also advise limiting alcohol consumption to no more than two drinks daily for men and one for women, with an emphasis on avoiding alcohol entirely due to its links to various diseases.

Most dietary sodium comes from packaged and prepared foods, highlighting the need to check labels and make low-sodium choices.

Further lifestyle recommendations include maintaining a nutritious diet, a healthy weight, regular physical activity, and managing stress to prevent or treat high blood pressure.