High Blood Pressure Explained: Risks, Measurement, and Modern Treatment

Dr. David Kandzari, Chief of the Piedmont Heart Institute and Chief Scientific Officer at Piedmont Healthcare, breaks down what high blood pressure really is, why nearly one in two adults in the United States are affected, and how even modest reductions can lead to meaningful decreases in the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure.He explains the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure, how genetics and lifestyle factors contribute to hypertension, and why the condition is often called a silent killer.The conversation also covers proper home monitoring, white coat hypertension, and the importance of tracking blood pressure over time rather than relying on single readings.Dr. Kandzari shares today’s treatment approaches, including lifestyle changes, medications, and newer therapies for resistant hypertension, and emphasizes why knowing and managing your numbers is one of the most important steps in preventing long term complications.