Controlling Your Blood Pressure Archive

Staying Healthy

Looking past blood pressure numbers

Published October 1, 2021

For decades, blood pressure treatment was dictated by a person’s numbers, with a blood pressure less than 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) considered normal. But evidence has proved this to be an inadequate goal. Research now suggests an individualized approach to managing blood pressure that considers other heart health risks, lifestyle habits, and family history may be a better way to ward off heart attacks and strokes.

Heart Health

Breath training may lower blood pressure

Published October 1, 2021

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.

Music and health

Updated September 11, 2021

Researchers are exploring the many ways in which music may influence health, from stress relief to athletic performance.

Heart Health

Does early heart disease run in your family?

Published September 1, 2021

People with a family history of premature or early coronary artery disease (defined as a heart attack that occurs before age 55 in a man or before age 65 in a woman) face a higher risk of heart disease than people without that family history. Some of this elevated risk comes from genetic factors linked to higher cholesterol and blood pressure values. But unhealthy habits—such as smoking and poor eating and exercise habits—also tend to run in families and may contribute as well.

Heart Health

Beyond blood pressure: Added benefits from the DASH diet

Published September 1, 2021

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern doesn’t just lower blood pressure. It may also reduce inflammation, heart injury, and heart strain.

Heart Health

Fruit of the month: Apples

Published September 1, 2021

Unpeeled apples are good sources of both fiber and compounds called polyphenols that benefit heart health. Eating apples often may help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation.

Diseases & Conditions

High blood pressure? Treat the risk, not the number

Published August 1, 2021

People with a high risk for heart attacks and strokes might benefit from taking blood pressure–lowering medications, even if their blood pressure is in the normal or "high normal" range and they have no clear signs of cardiovascular disease.

Women's Health

Reducing heart risks in the wake of breast cancer treatment

Published August 1, 2021

Hormone therapy is a highly successful breast cancer treatment for women, but it can elevate cardiovascular risk. Women can reduce those risks by being vigilant about their heart health and working closely with their doctors. Women who have taken or are taking these medications as part of breast cancer treatment should focus on adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, and keeping close tabs on their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar levels.