Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure: Your personal guide to managing hypertension

by Gary L. Schwartz

An estimated 1.28 billion adults worldwide have hypertension. And about half don’t even know they have it. That’s because high blood pressure develops with no signs or symptoms … until it has caused serious damage. 
 
Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure  offers information and tools to help you keep blood pressure from building to dangerous levels. By taking specific steps, you can live well with high blood pressure – and even keep it from ever forming. In this book, Gary Schwartz, M.D., tells you how. You’ll learn how high blood pressure develops, what puts you at risk, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how to reduce your risk of conditions associated with it.
 
While blood pressure naturally rises with age, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll develop high blood pressure – even if it runs in your family. And if you have high blood pressure already, you can take action to correct it and improve your health, all with simple, everyday choices.
 
Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure  offers a solid understanding of the ways you can control your blood pressure – and your future. The steps outlined in this book will help you reach a healthy blood pressure level and live well for years to come. 

Genres: Health, Nonfiction, Science

192 pages, Paperback

Published April 18, 2023

Reviews

[January · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure: Your Personal Guide to Managing Hypertension by Gary L. Schwartz M.D.
185-page Kindle Ebook

Genre: Nonfiction, Health & Fitness

Featuring: Illustrations, Hypertension, Charts, Food Guidelines, Exercise Guidelines, Medications, Blood Pressure Monitors, Herbs and Supplements, Glossary, Additional Resources (Websites)

Quotes: "A healthy diet emphasizes lower fat and sodium intake, more vegetables, fruits and fiber, and reduced calories. A healthy diet can reduce your blood pressure as much as some medications. It should be plant based — rich in vegetables and fruit — and include whole grains, beans, nuts, fish, lean sources of protein, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Unhealthy fats (saturated fat and trans fat), sodium, and alcohol intake are limited."

"Regular physical activity is important for your health in many ways, including for lowering blood pressure. It can reduce your risk of hypertension, help you manage high blood pressure, and help blood pressure medication work more effectively. Work toward 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, 75 minutes a week of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of the two. To lose weight or maintain weight loss, work toward getting 300 minutes a week of moderate physical activity."

"The DASH diet emphasizes three minerals that can play a role in managing high blood pressure: potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Researchers have found that a high potassium intake is associated with lower blood pressure, especially in Black people."

"A number of foods contain potassium. Good sources include: apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, cherries, dates, figs, honeydew melon, kiwi, mango, nectarine, orange, papaya, prunes and tangerines, apple juice, grapefruit juice, grape juice, orange juice, pineapple juice, artichokes, beans (dried), beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy vegetables (beet greens, collard greens, spinach), kohlrabi (cooked), lentils, mushrooms, parsley, potatoes, pumpkin, soy products, squash, zucchini, cocoa powder, milk (fat-free or low-fat), peanut butter, tofu and yogurt (fat-free or low-fat)."

Rating as a movie: PG

My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

My thoughts: 🔖Page 27 of 185 Ch. 2 Who's At Risk? - So far, this book is a cross between a high school textbook and a horror story in Greek. I've had to reread passages several times. My brain isn't a fan, but it's important information.
🔖46 Ch. 3 How high blood pressure is diagnosed - This is pretty easy to understand even with the scientific vocabulary. I like out they break down the key points at the end of the chapter in case anything went over your head.
🔖90 Ch. 6 - Movement is medicine - This is moving along a lot faster than I expected. At this rate, I'll be done by morning. Just in time for my new releases.

This is not the first book I have read about blood pressure, but it is the first one I finished. I think this book did what others did not; it kept the information simple and easy to understand without compromising the medical knowledge of the topic. The information was easy to understand yet meticulous, so you're not overwhelmed.

Recommend to others?: Yes. I found this book to be well-written and helpful.

[Barack Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

593-Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure-Gary L. Schwartz-Health-2023

Barack
November 2, 2025

"Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure," first published in 2023, explains the causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of hypertension, as well as how to reduce the risk of related diseases.

Gary L. Schwartz is a certified nephrologist specializing in hypertension. He is a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency and nephrology and hypertension specialist training at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. His clinical practice focuses primarily on secondary hypertension (including renal artery disease and primary aldosteronism), refractory hypertension, and autonomic dysfunction.

Table of Contents
Part 1: Blood pressure 101
Chapter 1: How high blood pressure develops
Chapter 2: Who's at risk?
Chapter 3: How high blood pressure is diagnosed

Part 2: Treating preventing and high blood pressure
Chapter 4: What the numbers mean
Chapter 5: How diet and weight loss help
Chapter 6: Movement is medicine
Chapter 7: Avoid tobacco, limit alcohol
Chapter 8: Taking the right medication
Chapter 9: Special concerns and conditions
Chapter 10: Living well with high blood pressure

Two weeks ago I read a book about teeth, last week a book about eye health, and this week I decided to continue along the "body user manual" route and read a book about high blood pressure. Perhaps it's because I'm getting older, but I'm starting to feel that understanding the body is like troubleshooting a complex machine. If you don't understand its principles, you can easily be caught off guard when a small part malfunctions. Before discussing blood pressure, the author first talks about the "cardiovascular system." Blood pressure is just the result; to understand it, you must first understand the structure and logic of the entire system. The author compares the cardiovascular system to a fluid transport network: the heart is the power source, blood vessels are the pipes, capillaries are the cargo transfer stations, veins are the recycling system, and nerves and hormones are the dispatch center. The heart is like a self-powered dual pump; the right ventricle is responsible for sending deoxygenated blood to the lungs for gas exchange, while the left ventricle distributes oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. With each heartbeat, the sinoatrial node releases electrical signals like a bio-generator, orderly causing the atria and ventricles to contract along the conduction system. The elasticity of the arterial walls is like a high-pressure water pipe, while the arterioles are like traffic lights, controlling the flow of blood to different tissues. In capillaries, oxygen and glucose are delivered like express mail, while carbon dioxide and waste are carried away. Veins, though with low pressure, have a large capacity, acting like warehouses to store blood, and are even equipped with backflow prevention valves. How can such a complex system function flawlessly for decades? It turns out, it relies not only on its structure but also on regulation. The sympathetic nervous system acts like an accelerator, increasing heart rate and blood pressure when excited; the parasympathetic nervous system acts like a brake, calming the body during meditation or sleep; and the hormonal system acts like a background program, with adrenaline instantly putting the body "at full speed," while renin and angiotensin are responsible for long-term balance . When we talk about "controlling blood pressure," we are actually harmonizing this vast ecosystem. It's not a constant value, but a dynamically regulated balance.

Since high blood pressure is harmful, we naturally want to know how it develops. Why do some people have normal blood pressure throughout their lives, while others develop hypertension early on? High blood pressure is not a single disease, but a long-term imbalance within the body. There are two types of high blood pressure: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension accounts for 90% to 95% of all cases. It doesn't have a single, clear culprit, but is the result of the long-term accumulation of countless subtle factors. Genetics plays a role; some people are genetically predisposed to retain sodium and water more easily, thus increasing blood volume. Psychological stress is also a contributing factor; long-term anxiety or tension keeps the sympathetic nervous system constantly active, causing continuous vasoconstriction. Vascular aging is another potential killer; as we age, the elasticity of blood vessel walls decreases, making them less able to regulate pressure, like an old rubber hose. Declining kidney function further disrupts the sodium-water balance. Insulin resistance also plays a role; high insulin levels make blood vessels more prone to constriction and sodium retention. In other words, primary hypertension is not a problem with a single organ, but rather a problem with the coordination mechanism of the entire system. The book also reminds us that some risks are controllable: for example, a high-salt diet makes the body feel "bloated," obesity and a sedentary lifestyle stiffen blood vessels, chronic insomnia or stress prevents the nerves from resting, smoking and drinking damage blood vessels, and a high-fat diet accelerates arteriosclerosis. These habits may seem harmless individually, but over time they gradually push the body towards imbalance. In contrast, secondary hypertension is more like a "traceable" disease; it accounts for only 5% to 10%, but its cause can often be identified. Kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, adrenal adenoma, medication side effects, sleep apnea, and even pregnancy or vascular malformations can all cause blood pressure to become uncontrolled. The difference is that by identifying the cause and treating the root cause, blood pressure has a chance to return to normal.

Diagnosing hypertension isn't like taking a temperature, where a single measurement can make a definitive diagnosis. It's more like a patient investigation, gradually eliminating occasional fluctuations to confirm that the blood pressure curve is truly "long-term elevated" rather than caused by occasional stress. This is a systematic medical assessment, not a numbers game with a definitive conclusion. The first step is initial screening, which involves repeated blood pressure measurements. Doctors usually ask patients to sit quietly and rest for five minutes before taking their blood pressure with an upper arm cuff, at least twice on different days, with a week between each measurement. Why this complicated process? Because blood pressure is easily affected by external factors—drinking coffee, smoking, exercising, or even just being asked a few questions by a doctor can all cause it to rise. The American Heart Association's standards are: normal blood pressure should be below 120/80 mmHg; 120-129 mmHg with a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg is considered "elevated blood pressure"; 130-139 mmHg/80-89 mmHg is stage 1 hypertension; and above 140/90 mmHg is stage 2 hypertension. If multiple measurements consistently exceed 130/80, it's necessary to consider whether it falls into the category of "persistent hypertension." The second step is comparing outpatient and home blood pressure. Doctors often recommend home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM) or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patients measure their blood pressure twice daily at home, morning and evening, for a week, recording the average. An ambulatory blood pressure monitor is worn on the body and automatically measures every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. Why? Because there's a phenomenon called "white coat hypertension"—blood pressure naturally rises when a person is stressed in the hospital, returning to normal once they leave. The third step involves laboratory and imaging examinations. To confirm whether it's secondary hypertension, doctors will check blood electrolytes, sodium, and potassium, assess kidney function, blood sugar, and blood lipids, and perform urinalysis to check for proteinuria or hematuria. Echocardiography and electrocardiogram can reveal left ventricular hypertrophy; renal artery ultrasound or CT scans can rule out stenosis. These examinations are crucial clues for doctors to determine the coordination of various bodily systems. The final step is a comprehensive assessment and diagnostic conclusion. Doctors will consider multiple blood pressure records, family and outpatient data, laboratory results, imaging data, as well as your lifestyle habits and family history—whether you are obese, smoke, have diabetes, or have a genetic predisposition to hypertension. Only when all these pieces of the puzzle are put together will the diagnostic picture become clear. At this point, doctors will further assess whether organs such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes have been damaged, thereby determining whether it is primary or secondary hypertension and what treatment plan should be adopted.

The author cites and introduces the "Guidelines for the Prevention, Detection, Assessment, and Management of Hypertension in Adults" jointly published by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association. According to these guidelines, normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg. If the systolic pressure is between 120 and 129 mmHg, but the diastolic pressure is still below 80 mmHg, it is called "elevated blood pressure." When the systolic pressure reaches 130 to 139 mmHg, or the diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mmHg, it is considered "stage I hypertension." When the systolic pressure reaches or exceeds 140 mmHg, or the diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mmHg, it enters "stage II hypertension." All individuals diagnosed with hypertension should immediately begin lifestyle interventions, and when blood pressure reaches stage II, medication should be started under the guidance of a physician. The treatment goal is to lower the systolic pressure to below 130 mmHg and maintain the diastolic pressure below 80 mmHg. The book points out that the core of lifestyle interventions includes: weight control, a healthy diet, reducing sodium intake, increasing potassium intake, regular exercise, and moderate alcohol consumption. The author specifically emphasizes a dietary approach—DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). When I first saw this name, I thought it was just dietary advice, but as I read on, I discovered it's actually a carefully designed dietary structure—a scientifically shaped approach to health. It advocates for less salt and oil, more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and a low-fat, high-fiber diet. For example, it recommends 4 to 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, 6 to 8 servings of whole grains, 2 to 3 servings of low-fat or skim dairy products, small servings of lean meat, poultry, and fish daily, 4 to 5 servings of nuts, beans, and seeds per week, no more than 2 to 3 servings of fats and oils per day, and ideally less than 5 servings of sweets per week. Sodium intake must be strictly controlled, ideally not exceeding 1500 mg per day. The principle behind the DASH diet is to increase the intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which helps dilate blood vessels, promote sodium excretion, and reduce nerve excitability; a low-sodium diet can reduce blood volume and peripheral resistance; a high-fiber diet can stabilize insulin levels, improve metabolism, and reduce inflammation; and the principle of low saturated fat is to improve blood lipids and delay arteriosclerosis. The author even provides a sample menu for a day in the book: breakfast is oatmeal with skim milk, a banana, and a small amount of nuts; lunch is brown rice, grilled chicken breast, tomato and cucumber salad, and steamed broccoli; dinner is whole-wheat bread, stir-fried spinach, and fruit; and a snack can be yogurt, nuts, or an apple. Drinks should primarily be plain water or tea, avoiding sugary drinks.

Why can diet and weight loss effectively help control high blood pressure? At first glance, it might seem like simply "eat less and lose weight," but in reality, it hides a complex and profound physiological logic. The first level is the physiological mechanism. Blood pressure is essentially the force with which blood pushes against the walls of blood vessels. When weight increases, the body's "pipeline system"—that is, blood vessels—has to expand. Just like a city adding hundreds of kilometers of water pipes, the pumps have to work harder to maintain the pressure of the water flow, and the heart does the same. At the same time, fat, especially visceral fat, secretes various active substances that stiffen the blood vessel walls and reduce endothelial function. Once blood vessels lose elasticity, like aging water pipes, they can no longer smoothly buffer pressure fluctuations, resulting in a forced increase in blood pressure. Weight loss can partially reverse all of this—studies have found that just 5% to 10% of body weight can lower systolic blood pressure by an average of 5 to 20 mmHg. This seemingly insignificant change is actually the body telling us that it is "breathing smoothly" again. The second level is the metabolic mechanism . Obesity is often accompanied by insulin resistance. Insulin, besides regulating blood sugar, also has the side effect of "sodium retention," causing the kidneys to reabsorb more sodium and water, increasing blood volume and further raising blood pressure. I used to think salt was the "bad guy," but I didn't realize that insulin was the unseen culprit. When we improve our diet and lose weight, insulin sensitivity increases, and the kidneys' sodium excretion function recovers, like reopening a clogged drain valve, and the body's stress gradually decreases. This also explains why the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) is so effective: low sodium, high potassium, plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products—these combinations are not just synonymous with "health"; they fundamentally adjust the sodium-potassium balance and vascular response, giving the body a chance to rebuild its internal stability. The third level involves neural and hormonal mechanisms. Modern people are under constant high pressure, with the sympathetic nervous system constantly on high alert, resulting in a fast heart rate, vasoconstriction, and a surge in adrenaline, like a city's water pump running at full capacity all day. But the body isn't a machine; it gets tired and worn out. When we control our diet and lose weight, sympathetic nerve activity decreases while parasympathetic nerve activity increases, heart rate slows down, blood vessels relax, and blood pressure naturally decreases. At the same time, fat reduction also calms the renin-angiotensin system (RAAS), which is normally the "behind-the-scenes force" behind increased blood pressure. Overall, lowering blood pressure is like lightening the load on a city's water supply system—the pumps stop struggling, the pipes loosen, and the flow is rebalanced.

The author also introduces the role of exercise in alleviating hypertension. Exercise reshapes the blood pressure regulation system through three main pathways. The first is the cardiovascular regulatory mechanism. When you engage in aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling, the muscles' demand for oxygen increases, and blood vessels naturally dilate to deliver more oxygen. Over time, vascular endothelial function improves, elasticity increases, and responsiveness becomes more sensitive. Like replacing an old water pipe with a new rubber hose, it better buffers fluid pressure fluctuations. Therefore, at rest, blood vessels relax more easily, and blood pressure naturally decreases. The second pathway is the balancing regulation of the autonomic nervous system. Hypertensive patients are often those who "press the accelerator too long"—the sympathetic nervous system is chronically active, while the parasympathetic nervous system, the body's "brake," is suppressed. Regular exercise allows these two systems to re-establish communication. Exercise gradually strengthens the parasympathetic nervous system, inhibiting the excessive response of the sympathetic nervous system, lowering heart rate, reducing vascular tension, and stabilizing blood pressure. The third pathway comes from improved metabolism. Exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce visceral fat accumulation. It's important to know that inflammatory factors secreted by adipose tissue can stimulate vasoconstriction, causing sodium retention and impairing the kidneys' ability to excrete sodium. Reducing fat lowers the inflammatory burden, allowing the kidneys to function smoothly again, expelling excess sodium and water, reducing blood volume, and consequently lowering blood pressure. Besides the physiological mechanisms, there's another aspect the author calls a "psychological effect." Chronic stress is a hidden contributor to hypertension in modern people, and exercise allows the body to naturally secrete substances like dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These "happy chemicals" can improve mood, relieve anxiety, and promote relaxation. Does this mean any exercise will do? The answer is no. The book repeatedly emphasizes that truly effective exercise is not strenuous, but gentle and sustained. The optimal intensity is one that makes your breathing quicken, your heart rate rise slightly, but you can still talk. For example, brisk walking is the safest and most classic choice; swimming is good for joints; cycling promotes blood circulation in the lower limbs; jogging is suitable for people with good cardiac function; and Tai Chi, square dancing, and light gymnastics combine breathing and body rhythms to help balance the nervous system. Strength training isn't off-limits either. Light to moderate dynamic resistance exercises like dumbbells, resistance bands, and push-ups can help regulate blood pressure. Just avoid holding your breath, as this can cause a sudden spike in blood pressure. As for static exercises, yoga and meditation are ways to give your nervous system a break, but high-intensity postures and prolonged holding positions should be avoided as they can temporarily raise blood pressure. Additionally, walking for ten minutes daily is more beneficial than a two-hour brisk walk once a week.

When discussing the effects of tobacco and alcohol on blood pressure, the author uses two phrases: "avoid tobacco, li

[Healthypedia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure offers clear explanations and actionable steps to understand, manage, and prevent hypertension.

In a world where health concerns are as diverse as the people they affect, one pervasive issue stands out – hypertension. This silent yet formidable condition strikes when blood pressure escalates to perilous heights, exerting a far-reaching impact on global health. With over one billion individuals, roughly one in four adults worldwide, grappling with this condition, hypertension has earned its status as the foremost risk factor for mortality across the globe. In the face of such a widespread and potentially life-altering concern, the need for comprehensive guidance and understanding becomes increasingly critical.

Enter Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure, a book meticulously crafted to address the intricate dimensions of this prevalent health challenge. In this review, we will explore the key takeaways, strengths, and weaknesses of this invaluable resource, dissecting its capacity to empower readers with the knowledge and tools necessary to take control of their blood pressure.


Author’s background

Dr. Gary L. Schwartz, M.D., leads the hypertension division in the Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

With over four decades of experience dedicated to the study, research, and treatment of individuals with high blood pressure, Dr. Schwartz has contributed to and assessed numerous scientific papers and book chapters. He has also delivered lectures internationally on subjects related to blood pressure.


What is the book about?

The book Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure by Gary L. Schwartz delves into the critical role that blood pressure plays in maintaining our overall health. Blood pressure is the driving force behind the distribution of oxygen-rich blood to our organs and tissues, as well as the removal of waste products from the body. The book emphasises the importance of maintaining the right balance of blood pressure to ensure optimal blood flow throughout the body.

When blood pressure becomes too high, it forces the blood flow to organs and tissues to increase, prompting the blood vessel walls to narrow. This narrowing makes blood vessels, thicken. This thickening, in turn, impedes proper blood flow and results in even higher blood pressure. Ultimately, this cycle of high blood pressure can lead to organ damage, highlighting the critical need to address and prevent high blood pressure.

Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure offers readers a comprehensive understanding of how to manage and control their blood pressure effectively and covers the following topics:

• Understanding how high blood pressure develops and its toll on the body.
• Identifying risk factors, both unchangeable and modifiable.
• Interpreting blood pressure numbers and treatment guidelines.
• Lifestyle changes, including diet, weight management, and exercise.
• The role of medication and managing drug interactions.
• Special considerations like pregnancy, menopause, and other health conditions.
• Stress management, positive outlook, and home monitoring.
• Recognising emergencies and making everyday choices for control.


Three key takeaways from Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure

1. High blood pressure takes a significant toll on overall health

High blood pressure, if left untreated, can lead to severe damage throughout the body. It can impact various organs and tissues, including the arteries, heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. The consequences of uncontrolled hypertension include arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis in the arteries, coronary artery disease in the heart, and an increased risk of stroke. High blood pressure can also lead to conditions like heart failure, dementia, and eye problems.

Recognising the silent nature of high blood pressure and understanding the importance of regular monitoring and treatment are crucial for preventing these serious health complications. Maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range is essential for reducing the risk of disability or death associated with hypertension.

2. The treatment of hypertension cannot be solely reliant on medication

High blood pressure medication is not a standalone solution; it should be complemented by lifestyle changes. Medication alone may not lower blood pressure enough, especially if unhealthy habits persist. Lifestyle modifications, such as a low-sodium diet, exercise, and stress management, are crucial for reaching target blood pressure levels. Making these changes can potentially reduce medication needs, minimise side effects, and reduce health risks associated with high blood pressure.

Embracing these lifestyle adjustments is essential for everyone with high blood pressure, as they lower the risk of serious health issues like stroke, heart attack, and dementia. Setting realistic goals, making gradual changes, finding enjoyment in healthier habits, and seeking support from your healthcare team and loved ones are vital steps in managing lifestyle changes effectively.

Collaborate with your healthcare team to set and achieve your blood pressure goals, as achieving them sooner can lead to lower cardiovascular risks. Remember, high blood pressure is a serious condition, but with commitment to lifestyle changes and medication if needed, it can be managed effectively for a long and healthy life.

3. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure is greatly affected by healthy lifestyle changes

Taking charge of your blood pressure is within your control. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing hypertension. A healthy diet should be plant-based, emphasising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, while limiting unhealthy fats, sodium, and alcohol.

Regular physical activity, with at least 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, can help manage and prevent high blood pressure. Losing as little as 10 to 20 pounds can have a positive impact on your blood pressure and overall health. Monitoring your body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference can help you assess your weight-related health risks.

Taking action to prevent high blood pressure is vital, as it’s often more effective than treating it after it develops, and it can prevent long-term damage to your heart and arteries. Starting healthy habits early in life increases your chances of success and reduces the risk of weight-related diseases.


Strengths and weaknesses, according to readers’ reviews

Strengths:
• Informative and easy to follow.
• Provides clear explanations for the causes of high blood pressure.
• Offers practical ways to lower blood pressure through simple lifestyle changes.
• Valuable information for those who are newly diagnosed or concerned about high blood pressure.

Weaknesses:
• Incorporating the success stories of the author’s patients would enhance the content of the book.


Best quotes from Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure

“It’s also important to note that a high number in either diastolic or systolic blood pressure is harmful. For adults younger than 50, a high diastolic pressure is usually the main issue. For adults older than age 50, high systolic pressure tends to be more common. This is because diastolic blood pressure rises until midlife and then stays at that level before dropping later in life. Systolic blood pressure, on the other hand, rises throughout life.”

“Regular physical activity is important for your health in many ways, including for lowering blood pressure. It can reduce your risk of hypertension, help you manage high blood pressure, and help blood pressure medication work more effectively. Work toward 150 minutes a week of moderate physical activity, 75 minutes a week of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of the two. To lose weight or maintain weight loss, work toward getting 300 minutes a week of moderate physical activity.”

“Even with medication, lifestyle changes are essential to controlling high blood pressure.”


Final takeaway

Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure by Dr. Gary L. Schwartz serves as an indispensable reference guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of blood pressure management. Dr. Schwartz’s extensive experience and expertise shine through in this enlightening book. It not only explains the causes and consequences of high blood pressure but also underscores the critical role lifestyle changes play in its control. Readers, especially those newly diagnosed or concerned about their blood pressure, will benefit from the clear explanations and practical strategies provided.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has some good information, especially if you are newly diagnosed or concerned. I did learn about the body's own mechanisms to regulate blood pressure and about what leads to strokes/TIAs. I was astounded that the medication I take not only has fatigue as a side effect but insomnia too. That explains the past three years! I recommend this guide.

[Tim Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good review, but not too much new here.

The first chapter on how high blood pressure develops is too clinical; a reader might think the author forgot his audience wasn’t first-year medical students. The second chapter, “Who’s at Risk” was better and more helpful.

After a chapter on how high blood pressure is diagnosed, the author suggests the best methods of dealing with it: diet, exercise, reducing or eliminating smoking and alcohol, and using the right medications. Little new information here, except for readers who have never explored the topic at all.

A final chapter on living well with high blood pressure has some useful tips.

[Jwt Jan50 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably a good place to start. A lot of the diet and exercise info is out there in multiple places. The section on medications (for this history major) seemed particularly thorough. I was looking for something a little more thorough on the actual circulatory system and its impact on our organs - i.e. Mukherjee.

[David]

Helped me understand how complex the systems regulating blood pressure are as well as get a better understanding of what may me done to manage it.

[Judy]

Helpful section on medications and ambulatory monitoring for those with white-coat hypertension.

[Salvatore V · Rating 3 out of 5]

De momento diré que un control del peso, el estrés, la actividad física, la alimentación, la respiración ayuda a controlar la presión sanguínea y rodeate de conocimiento y gente que te apoyo

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource. Wish I had read this years ago.