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Taking control of your blood pressure: What the new guidelines mean for you
Jun 10, 2026 - McMaster University -
The Bottom Line
⏱ 2 min read, 50 min video
High blood pressure is one of the most common health conditions affecting older adults. About 1 in 4 Canadian adults live with high blood pressure, but not everyone knows it. That is because high blood pressure is often called a “silent” condition. Most people feel perfectly well, even when their blood pressure is elevated. There may be no warning signs, symptoms, or changes in how you feel. Yet over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia. The good news is that high blood pressure can be detected, monitored, and treated effectively.
In this must-see recording, family physician Dr. Doug Oliver explains what blood pressure numbers mean, why the new Canadian guideline has a target of 130 over 80, and how lifestyle changes and medications can help protect your long-term health.
Dr. Doug Oliver is a family physician, Associate Professor at McMaster University, and Medical Director at the McMaster Family Practice. He has dedicated much of his career to caring for older adults and helping them stay healthy, independent, and supported at home. Dr. Oliver regularly visits patients in their homes and in long-term care, giving him a deep understanding of the real-life challenges people face as they age. He has developed programs to improve care for older adults and teaches future doctors how to better support this population. He is also known for improving access to care, helping patients connect more easily with their healthcare team when they need it.
Author Details
Anthony Levinson
Dr. Anthony J. Levinson is a Professor at McMaster University and holds the John R. Evans Chair in Health Sciences Educational Research and Instructional Development. One of the co-leaders of the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal, Dr. Levinson is also a psychiatrist with a special interest in medical psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, and preventive psychiatry. His area of research interest includes online learning to improve healthcare provider and patient education.
References
Goupil R, Tsuyuki RT, Bell A, et al. Hypertension Canada clinical practice guideline for the diagnosis and management of hypertension in primary care. CMAJ. 2025;197(18):E549-E564.
World Health Organization. Global Report on Hypertension: The Race Against a Silent Killer. Geneva, Switzerland: World Health Organization; 2025.
Appel LJ, Moore TJ, Obarzanek E, et al. A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure. N Engl J Med. 1997;336(16):1117-1124.
Filippou CD, Tsioufis CP, Thomopoulos CG, et al. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet and Blood Pressure Reduction in Adults with and without Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Adv Nutr. 2020;11(5):1150-1160. doi:10.1093/advances/nmaa041
DISCLAIMER: These summaries are provided for informational purposes only. They are not a substitute for advice from your own health care professional. The summaries may be reproduced for not-for-profit educational purposes only. Any other uses must be approved by the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal (info@mcmasteroptimalaging.org).
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