Quotes of the Day

Doctors have known for years that anyone with a blood-pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher has a greatly increased risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke or developing kidney problems. But the more scientists learn about how hypertension affects various arteries and organs, the more they realize the damage begins long before that somewhat arbitrary cutoff. This growing awareness prompted the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) last week to revise its blood-pressure guidelines so that 45 million Americans whose blood pressure is between 120/80 and 139/89--a level that was once considered to be on the high side of normal — will now be told that they have prehypertension.

This is not a ploy to sell more blood-pressure medication. The new guidelines make clear that prehypertension is best treated with exercise, weight loss and a more balanced diet. Several studies have proved that the so-called DASH diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables and modest quantities of nuts, reliably lowers blood pressure in all ethnic groups. Best of all, there are no side effects.

For folks who require medication, the NHLBI guidelines recommend starting off with the tried-and-true diuretics, often called "water pills." Chances are, however, that anyone whose blood pressure is above 160/100 will need at least two medications to control it.

What hasn't changed is the fact that hypertension can kill you. By getting your blood pressure tested — and doing something about it if it is too high — you may not feel the difference, but you will probably live longer.

• Christine Gorman