Blood pressure: how to measure, manage, and treat high blood pressure (AMA #48 rebroadcast)

Blood pressure serves as a critical, often overlooked risk factor for cardiovascular disease, dementia, and kidney failure. Accurate assessment requires standardized measurement protocols—sitting quietly for five minutes, avoiding leg crossing, and ensuring proper cuff size—rather than relying on potentially misleading office readings. Chronic hypertension acts as a mechanical stressor on the endothelium, compounding damage over time, which necessitates aggressive management. While lifestyle interventions like weight loss, consistent aerobic exercise, and sleep optimization provide significant improvements, pharmacological options including ACE inhibitors and ARBs remain essential when lifestyle changes prove insufficient. Because hypertension often presents without symptoms, regular, self-administered monitoring is vital for early detection. Maintaining optimal blood pressure levels, ideally below 120/80 mmHg, significantly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and long-term vascular damage, making it a cornerstone of a longevity-focused health strategy.