Blood Pressure Archive

People who aggressively lower their high blood pressure not only help their heart health, but also may protect their brains from cognitive decline in the process, according to a 2025 study.

Telehealth visits combined with home monitoring may be an effective way to help people reach and maintain their blood pressure goals, according to a 2025 study.

Intensive blood pressure control that lowers systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) below 120 points may lower the risk of cognitive impairment or probable dementia.

A 2024 study suggested that even five minutes of additional vigorous daily exercise could lower blood pressure.

People with type 2 diabetes may have greater protection from cardiovascular problems if they keep their systolic blood pressure (the first number in a reading) to 120 mm Hg or lower, according to a 2024 study.

According to a 2024 study, people who engage in exercise (such as running or cycling) instead of less active behavior (such as sitting, standing, or slow walking) for just five minutes per day may slightly lower their blood pressure.

White-coat hypertension refers to blood pressure that's high only when measured in a medical setting. It's defined as a reading in the doctor's office of greater than 130/80 (but less than 160/100) and an average daytime blood pressure reading of less than 130/80. If home monitoring reveals mostly normal readings, treatment may not be needed. But intermittent blood pressure spikes might still damage the heart.

A 2024 study suggests that reallocating as little as five minutes per day from time spent sitting, standing, or walking to vigorous exercise may help lower blood pressure. Switching out a bigger block of sedentary time for exercise may offer even greater benefit.

Letting your arm dangle or rest in your lap (instead of being supported at heart level, as is recommended) during a blood pressure check can cause a falsely high reading, according to a 2024 study.