Lower Your Blood Pressure

Moser--a cardiologist and clinical professor of medicine at Yale University--presents a superbly organized compendium of authoritative, current information on our most common chronic illness (an estimated 40 million Americans suffer from hypertension, many unknowingly). Between 1972 and 1987, the U.S. death rate from strokes dropped 50%, and that from heart attacks 35%, due mainly, Moser believes, to improved detection and treatment. Yet some cases remain under-, over- or inappropriately treated. The author, who clearly respects readers and patients, carefully explains and defines the disorder and its known causes; examines available therapies from simple diet modifications to complex drug regimens (complete with brand names, price tags and side effects); and offers valuable warnings about both over-used medical procedures and over-promoted ``alternative'' approaches. (May)