More than half of U.S. adults with uncontrolled high blood pressure do not know they have it, even though readings above 130/80 mmHg raise risks of heart attack, stroke, kidney damage and cognitive decline.
Doctors say many cases can be improved with daily habits: a DASH-style diet, lower sodium intake capped at 2,300 mg a day—ideally 1,500 mg—less alcohol and no nicotine.
150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, or even three 10-minute walks a day, can help lower blood pressure; meditation, yoga and breathwork may also reduce stress-driven spikes.
Accurate screening matters because hypertension is often symptomless, and clinicians advise avoiding caffeine and workouts before checks, emptying the bladder, taking deep breaths and sitting with the arm supported at heart level.