About 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. has high blood pressure, raising the risk of heart attacks, stroke, kidney failure and other health problems.
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And now a new study says that when it comes to treating high blood pressure, lower is better.
The study found that getting high blood pressure back down to 120 over 80 or less dramatically cuts the risk of heart attacks, even though high blood pressure is not diagnosed until that measurement reaches, or passes, 140 over 90.
7 ways to reduce your blood pressure without medication
- Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Follow the DASH diet: Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (Read: Mayo Clinic)
- Reduce sodium in your diet. (Read: American Heart Association)
- Exercise regularly. Create a routine that involves both aerobic and strength-training exercise. (Read: American College of Sports Medicine)
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. (Read: WebMD)
- Quit smoking (Read: Smokefree.gov)
- Cut back on caffeine (Read: Health US News)
- Reduce your stress (Read: Science-backed ways to feel happier)
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