Q&A: Hypertension expert on optimizing blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition affecting nearly half of U.S. adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 48% of Americans have high blood pressure—defined as a systolic blood pressure greater than 130 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 80 mmHg. A major risk factor for heart disease and other serious health problems, high blood pressure is more common in adults aged 45 and older and disproportionately affects non-white Americans.