Your blood pressure tends to rise as you get older. That’s why 65% of Americans over 60 have blood pressure higher than the healthy threshold of 120/80.[1]
Many of us want to avoid the side effects of taking hypertension pills. So we turn to natural methods.
You probably already know that certain lifestyle behaviors lower blood pressure. But a new study finds that one factor is more powerful than all the others.… Read More
Many of us worry about high blood pressure. And for good reason. It leads to heart disease and increases your risk of stroke and early death.
That’s why millions of Americans take hypertension medications. But a Harvard University analysis recently revealed a surprising new danger associated with these drugs. They might actually be too effective in reducing blood pressure.[1]
Optimal blood pressure is about 120/80.… Read More
Do you know which health condition is the number one risk factor death and disability?
You might guess obesity, since so many people have it and it leads to so many different ailments. But you’d be wrong.
Or you might think it’s high cholesterol, since heart disease kills more Americans than any other illness. But you’d be wrong again.
Another good guess would be diabetes.… Read More
If you are diabetic or prediabetic, you should know about two new studies that point to simple, nondrug methods to control your blood sugar.
The first looked at the effects of hot baths. Researchers in Japan divided 1,297 diabetics into three groups.[1]
One group took less than one bath a week. The second group took between one and four baths a week.… Read More
When was the last time your health care provider had you sit quietly for 12 minutes before taking your blood pressure?
Probably never.
And that means your readings may be falsely high.
Following the correct procedure when taking blood pressure readings is more important than ever. That’s because a few years ago new guidelines came out on when to treat hypertension.… Read More
The most widely used type of blood pressure drug may do more harm than good for your heart, according to a major new study.
A research team led by Pennsylvania State University looked at L-type calcium channel blockers (LCCBs). These include verapamil (Calan, Isoptin) and diltiazen (Cardizem).[1]
LCCBs work by keeping excessive calcium from entering blood vessel cells. Too much calcium causes the vessels to become thick and stiff, which raises blood pressure.… Read More