The New Healthy Blood Pressure Rules

Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure — and the guidelines for managing it just changed. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the new rules, including surprising advice on alcohol. Plus, he answers a listener’s follow-up: does the recommended daily dose of “morning sunlight” change when it’s cloudy, rainy, or even snowing?

New blood pressure guidelines recommend an earlier start to treatment and skipping alcohol, CNN, August 14, 2025

Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Management of High Blood Pressure in Adults, The American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association, August 14, 2025

Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson.

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane

Showrunner: Amanda Sealy

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices