These results contain two very good pieces of news for the...

These results contain two very good pieces of news for the millions of Americans who have elevated blood pressure. Our previous research showed that making multiple lifestyle changes -- eating a healthier diet and increasing physical activity -- for a short-term period of six months led to significant reductions in blood pressure. Now we know that sustaining these lifestyle changes for the longer period of 18 months also leads to substantial blood pressure reductions. This is very good news because the longer people can keep their blood pressure down, the better it is for their heart health. The other good news is that this study shows that people can make and sustain these lifestyle changes over a fairly long time period.