blood pressure

A huge federal study was halted early when a preliminary analysis of the results found clear evidence that lowering blood pressure can slash heart attacks, strokes, heart failure and deaths.

A small dose of aspirin taken regularly can help prevent a second heart attack or stroke. But too many healthy people are taking the drug for prevention, and for them, the risks may outweigh benefits.

In the ongoing debate about the possible benefits of vitamin D supplements, a study suggests that the vitamin might indeed play a role in mildly reducing high blood pressure. The study was small and looked at just African-Americans, but the authors say the findings warrant further research.