High Blood Pressure News Series

Series explains importance of controlling hypertension.
In a series of articles, the Los Angeles Times (2/8, Ravn) explains blood pressure, points out medicines made to control it, and focuses on efforts people can make on their own to lower it, such as controlling the amount of salt they eat, following a particular diet (such as theDASH diet ), and making sure they consume enough potassium.
An introductory piece points out that "hypertension raises the risk for stroke, heart disease, heart failure, kidney disease, and eye damage, including blindness." People "can greatly reduce their risk for such problems by bringing their blood pressure down to a 'goal level' they establish with their doctor" by utilizing "a wide range of lifestyle choices...and effective drug treatments."
Another article explains how common high blood pressure is, noting that "about one-third of all adults in America have high blood pressure. More than half of all those who are 60 or older have it."
In an article on hypertension medication the times adds that current Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure guidelines "call for making a diuretic the first drug option when beginning treatment, including a diuretic in any treatment involving more than one drug and considering changing a treatment that doesn't include a diuretic, even if it has been successful at helping a patient reach goal level." Other articles discuss how sleep, stress, weight, exercise, and smoking and alcohol affect hypertension.