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Read More about What's the best blood pressure target for older adults?
What's the best blood pressure target for older adults?

What's the best blood pressure target for older adults?

For people over 60, aiming for a blood pressure target below 130/80 mm Hg may prevent more cardiovascular problems than aiming for the higher target suggested by some physicians. Some feared that the more intensive treatment required to reach the lower target might cause more adverse side effects (such as dizziness and falls) in older people. But side effects do not appear to differ among people taking intensive versus standard therapy.

Read More about Exercise may heal the heart as well as prevent future problems
Exercise may heal the heart as well as prevent future problems

Exercise may heal the heart as well as prevent future problems

Exercise may help to reverse some types of heart damage. Not only can workouts prevent heart problems, but it may help to improve conditions that may raise risk for cardiovascular events. A 2021 study, for example, showed that a yearlong exercise program helped improve heart health in people who were at increased risk for heart failure.

Read More about Is there such a thing as a silent stroke?
Is there such a thing as a silent stroke?

Is there such a thing as a silent stroke?

It is possible to experience a stroke without symptoms. Addressing cardiovascular risk factors can help lower the risk.

Read More about Switching to a salt substitute may reduce stroke risk
Switching to a salt substitute may reduce stroke risk

Switching to a salt substitute may reduce stroke risk
Swapping regular table salt (sodium chloride) with a salt substitute containing some potassium chloride may lower the risk of strokes and related heart problems.
Read More about What to do when your blood pressure won’t go down
What to do when your blood pressure won’t go down

What to do when your blood pressure won’t go down
Doctors recommend several strategies to lower resistant hypertension. One strategy is discontinuing medications that may be contributing to high blood pressure, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), decongestants, certain antidepressants, and corticosteroids. Another strategy is treating underlying conditions that can boost blood pressure, such as sleep apnea. Other ways to lower stubbornly high blood pressure include getting lots of aerobic exercise, eating a plant-based diet that’s low in salt, getting at least seven hours of sleep per night, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Read More about Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure
Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure

Over-the-counter drugs that can boost blood pressure
People with high blood pressure should avoid certain popular over-the-counter drugs used to treat cold and flu symptoms and pain. The problematic products are those that contain decongestants such as oxymetazoline, pseudoephedrine, and phenylephrine; and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Because drugstores contain an overwhelming number of products that feature those drugs, people should ask their pharmacist to recommend a product.
Read More about Aerobic exercise helps hard-to-treat high blood pressure
Aerobic exercise helps hard-to-treat high blood pressure

Aerobic exercise helps hard-to-treat high blood pressure
Regular aerobic exercise such as walking and cycling may help people with resistant hypertension lower their blood pressure.
Read More about Breathing your way to better health
Breathing your way to better health

Breathing your way to better health
Taking time out of a stressful day to perform simple breathing exercises can reduce chronic stress and prevent the harm it can inflict on the body. Even a few short breathing sessions can make a big difference for many people. Chronic stress, when it goes unchecked, can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure, obesity, anxiety, depression, and reduced immune response.
Read More about Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory
Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory

Some blood pressure drugs are linked with better memory
A 2021 analysis found that adults ages 50 and older who took an ACE inhibitor such as lisinopril or an ARB like candesartan that crosses the blood-brain barrier scored higher on memory recall tests after three years on the medication, when compared with those who took a different drug in the same class that doesn’t cross over.
Read More about Breath training may lower blood pressure
Breath training may lower blood pressure

Breath training may lower blood pressure
Using a device that strengthens breathing muscles for just five minutes a day may help lower blood pressure. The small handheld device provides resistance as a person inhales and exhales, providing what’s known as inspiratory muscle strength training.
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