Doctors warn hypertension now impacts nearly half of Americans

Nearly half of all American adults are living with high blood pressure, a condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, according to updated medical guidance. Dr. Suraj Saggar, DO, FIDSA, Chief of the Department of Infectious Disease at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey, joined us to explain what the numbers mean and why awareness is critical. Experts say many people may not even realize they have hypertension, making regular blood pressure checks essential. Doctors emphasize focusing on proven strategies such as managing sodium and alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and working with a physician to keep blood pressure under control as guidelines continue to evolve. If you want a more urgent breaking-news tone or a softer health explainer version, I can tweak it fast.