Control Blood Pressure
Target 120/80 or lower. Sustained mild elevation does most of the lifetime damage.
What it does
Hypertension is rarely felt and almost always doing harm. The damage is cumulative — decades of mild elevation do more than brief spikes. Lifestyle levers are real but bounded; when the number stays above 130/80, the medications are well-evidenced.
Elevated arterial pressure damages endothelial function, accelerates atherosclerosis, and produces left ventricular hypertrophy — each component compounding the others over time.
What the evidence shows
Overall evidence strength: High certainty
Who it's for, who should skip
Anyone with readings above target. Lifestyle first — weight loss, sodium discipline, aerobic exercise — with home monitoring; escalate to medication when those don't get under 130/80.
Measuring it
Retest Blood pressure — Home monitoring is the stream — mornings and evenings over 3–7 days. Recheck monthly until controlled, every 3–6 months once stable, yearly if normal — intervene above 130/80..
Stacking & alternatives
Access & cost
Self-directed — no purchase required.
Last reviewed 27 August 2026.