Blood Pressure Targets Just Changed

Brad Stanfield

22 nov 2025

Episode description

For weekly health research summaries and extra insights, sign up here 👉 https://drstanfield.com/pages/sign-up

💊 Supplements I Take: https://drstanfield.com/pages/my-supplements

💊MicroVitamin+ (Pro) Powder: https://drstanfield.com/products/microvitamin-plus
💊MicroVitamin Standard Capsules: https://drstanfield.com/products/microvitamin

Timestamps:
00:00 The Blood Pressure Conspiracy
02:07 The History of Blood Pressure Guidelines
03:53 The Framingham Heart Study
05:08 The First Set of Guidelines
06:29 The 1984 Report
07:26 The 2003 Lancet Study
08:31 The 2017 Guidelines
09:07 The SPRINT Trial
10:42 The Link with Dementia
11:34 Conclusion & Takeaways

📜 Roadmap - how to look young & feel strong: https://drstanfield.com/pages/roadmap

✔️ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BradStanfieldMD
✔️ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bradstanfieldmd

Here are the links to the research papers referenced in the video:
https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db511.htm
https://www.statista.com/outlook/hmo/pharmaceuticals/anti-hypertensive-drugs/worldwide
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8109518/
https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/fhs-about/history/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1550985
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/336799
https://ostemed-dr.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/api/collection/myfirst/id/3922/download
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12493255/
https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1901281
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38945140/
https://www.neurology.org/doi/abs/10.1212/WNL.0000000000213334
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2841006

Thumbnail by James Kelly
Video edited by Troy Young
Script by John Milliken

The links above are affiliate links, so I receive a small commission every time you use them to purchase a product. The content contained in this video, and its accompanying description, is not intended to replace viewers’ relationships with their own medical practitioner. Always speak with your doctor regarding the content of this channel, and especially before using any products, services, or devices discussed on this channel.

Episode description

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Recognize blood pressure link to early mortality risk

In 1925, life insurance mathematicians, not doctors, were the first to discover the strong link between high blood pressure and the risk of dying young.

#blood-pressure

#mortality

Aim for blood pressure below 120 for optimal health benefits

A massive 2003 analysis of one million adults found that the health benefits of lowering blood pressure continue all the way down to at least 115.

#blood-pressure

Incorporate salt substitutes to enhance potassium intake

The guidelines emphasize using salt substitutes, which mix ordinary salt with potassium-based salt to lower sodium and boost potassium intake.

#potassium

#sodium

Start treatment for elevated blood pressure earlier with new guidelines

Recent guidelines recommend starting treatment for elevated blood pressure earlier, using medications if lifestyle changes don't work within three to six months.