A shocking one in three American adults has high blood pressure, yet barely half of them have it under control. Millions more have high blood pressure and don't even know it because there are no warning signs or symptoms. It's called the silent killer because the first "symptom" is often a stroke or heart attack. Fortunately, high blood pressure is easy to detect and treat. Sometimes people can keep blood pressure in a healthy range simply by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, increasing activity, and eating more healthfully. In this Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School experts, you'll uncover the best ways to stop this silent killer, including: 5 ways to lower your chances of ever getting high blood pressure. The only type of exercise that lowers your blood pressure. The drug that lowers blood pressure and has fewer side effects than most others. Prevent plaque buildup in arteries--which can lead to high blood pressure--just by moving around more. The diet that could keep your blood pressure normal - without medications! A technique that can help 50% of people to eliminate at least one blood pressure medication. And 35% can lower their dosage!
You'll get important information about blood pressure and how it's linked to everything from heart disease and stroke to memory loss, like: Blood pressure number that could mean you're 10 times more likely to have a stroke. How to lower your risk of Alzheimer's disease up to 59% by controlling your blood pressure. 6 ways to help ensure you get an accurate blood pressure reading at the doctor's office. Test you should have if you're taking a diuretic to control blood pressure. 8 over-the-counter meds that can cause high blood pressure. Plus, you'll get a special bonus section that reveals the health hazards of salt. Just how bad is it? Consider this: Cutting salt by just 15% lowers deaths from heart attacks and stroke by 40% or more! Higher salt intake is linked to more strokes and cases of heart disease. Little known reason you could be at a much greater risk for heart attack, stroke, or even needing bypass surgery. Shocking places you find sodium - licorice! Alaskan King Crab - just 3 ounces (less than i?? pound has 911 mg!) And 20 ways to cut back on salt!