For many people, the stress of seeing the doctor makes blood pressure soar. Physicians have been arguing about the significance of this “white coat hypertension” for decades. Does it lead to overtreatment? Or does it signal a problem that cries out for treatment? New research shows how home blood pressure readings stack up.
We all know we should eat our vegetables and fruits, but we don’t always appreciate the science behind specific plant foods. Blueberries are not only tasty, but they can have an important impact on our metabolism.
Explore the stories behind the health headlines.
Guests: Mary Ann Lila, PhD, is Director of the Plants for Human Health Institute and David H. Murdock Distinguished Professor at the North Carolina Research Campus of North Carolina State University. Her websites are www.lilalab.com and plantsforhumanhealth.ncsu.edu. The photo is of Dr. Lila.
Benjamin J. Powers, MD, is Assistant Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine. His study of blood pressure measurement was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
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