Prehypertension Alert

Prehypertension—blood pressure of 120 to 139 mmHg/80 to 89 mmHg—usually is treated with lifestyle measures, such as weight loss, salt restriction and exercise.

Recent finding: In a study of 800 prehypertension patients, those who took the blood pressure medication candesartan (Atacand) for two years while making lifestyle changes had a 15.6% lower risk of developing hypertension than those who didn't take medication.

If your blood pressure is in the upper range of prehypertension: Ask your doctor about medication in addition to lifestyle changes.