New Article

High blood pressure is more than a heart concern - it can also impact brain health. Unmanaged hypertension can increase the risk of dementia by up to 20%. The good news is that high blood pressure is very treatable - the first step is to know what number you’re aiming for.

Learn more in the latest article for Premium members only.

Expert Insights:

Every week we’ll feature a new question submitted to our experts by a Premium Member.

Question: “I’m not really interested in medications - is there anything else I can do to lower my blood pressure?”

Dr. Geen’s Answer:

Yes, there are lots of ways to improve your blood pressure, a topic we’ll be getting into in more detail very soon in an upcoming Premium article.

However, keep in mind that when your top blood pressure number is above 150 mmHg your healthcare provider might recommend that you start medications, even if you’re pursuing lifestyle changes. You won’t necessarily need these medications forever, but they can help keep your blood pressure in a safe range while waiting for your lifestyle changes to take effect.

Lifestyle changes that can help reduce your blood pressure include:

1. Adopt the MIND Diet: Although intended for dementia prevention, the MIND diet incorporates elements of the DASH diet, which is recommended for lowering blood pressure. Both diets emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy while reducing salt intake to less than 2 grams per day.

2. Stay Active: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.

3. Reduce your total calorie intake if you are overweight for your age-range. Weight loss can reduce or even cure high blood pressure in many cases.

4. Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking: Both can adversely affect blood pressure.

5. Manage Stress: Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.

We’ll dive into these strategies and more in an upcoming Premium article - stay tuned!

Have a question for our experts?
👉 Submit it here.