There is very much a place for the mind/body connection in understanding and treating hypertension. But it is not the cause of hypertension in the 85 percent of patients with ordinary hypertension; and the anger, anxiety and stress we experience are not at the heart of it.

My observations and studies indicate that the mind/body link in hypertension is nearly the opposite of what most suspect. Yes, our anger and anxiety and stress can raise our blood pressure in the moment, but this does not lead to development of persisting hypertension.

On average, 5,500 Chicagoans die of heart disease each year... I am thrilled that Chicago is at the forefront of using technology to bring health empowerment to its residents.

Blood pressure is best treated holistically. Severe or poorly-managed stress could be the reason for it, and if so, blood pressure is merely a sign of the underlying condition. Always best to look for causes -- and treat as close to them as possible.

If day-to-day stress and anger and anxiety are not causes of hypertension, do I believe that there is a mind/body connection in hypertension? Yes, I absolutely do. But the connection is very different from what most people think.

An exciting and promising new procedure, which can help lower blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension (hypertension not controlled by medication), is currently under study in 90 medical centers, including ours, throughout the U.S.

As a hypertension specialist, I advocate healthy diet, reduction of sodium intake, and exercise, as a means to avoid or reduce medication. However, most people end up requiring medication, which is helping millions live a longer and healthier life.

Contrary to popular wisdom, what you don't know can sometimes hurt you, and badly. For older adults in particular, this is true when it comes to stroke.

If you can walk, you can lose weight and get your heart in better shape. All you need is 30 minutes a day.

Despite 20 years of reassuring research, many people still avoid caffeinated coffee because they worry about its health effects. But research continues to confirm that -- in moderation -- a few cups a day is safe and even beneficial to heart health.

The next time you hear your doctor tell you to eat your vegetables and to avoid fatty processed pro-inflammatory foods, just remember that it's not just your doctor who's telling you that... your body is screaming to you for the same thing as well.

Hypertension may go unnoticed for years, with few if any signs of discomfort -- unlike the cartoon character sending his blood pressure through the roof, steam doesn't come out of your ears, your face doesn't turn red and you don't swell up. Generally speaking, nothing hurts.