Prehypertension podcast featured on MayoClinic.com

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A new podcast on MayoClinic.com helps users become better informed about prehypertension, a condition that is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood against the walls of the arteries. Slightly elevated blood pressure is recognized as prehypertension. Untreated prehypertension may progress to high blood pressure (hypertension). Both prehypertension and high blood pressure increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure.

The podcast features Sheldon Sheps, M.D., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist and senior editor for MayoClinic.com. Dr. Sheps played a key role in developing national guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension and served on several working groups of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. The podcast lasts approximately 15 minutes.

When prehypertension was defined as a new category of blood pressure in 2003, people who thought they had normal blood pressure were surprised to learn that their blood pressure now was considered elevated. Weight loss, exercise and other healthy lifestyle changes often can control prehypertension and lead to a lifetime of better health. Dr. Sheps provides helpful insights and advice in the prehypertension podcast, which can be accessed free of charge at www.MayoClinic.com.

• Podcast: Prehypertension