Q. My doctor wants me to take not just one but two blood pressure medications. Is this healthy? Sounds dangerous to me.
-- Harry, Saratoga Springs, NY

A. Aside from the hassle of opening two pill bottles instead of one, there’s usually not a downside to this. We want you to aim for a lower blood pressure -- somewhere around 115/75 -- and that can require more meds (but at lower doses). There are at least 10 major classes of blood pressure (BP) drugs, meaning there are 10 different ways that blood pressure meds can do their jobs. Some cause the muscles in your arteries to relax, which widens your blood vessels and means it takes less pressure to pump blood through them. Other meds interfere with enzymes, such as renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), that can raise blood pressure, . By combining prescriptions, your doctor can often maximize the benefits of different drugs and minimize their side effects.

But no matter how many pills you’re on, don’t count on them alone to lower your BP. To get those numbers down, you also need to make lifestyle changes, including eating more vegetables, less meat, less saturated fat, and more healthy fat (including canola and olive oils and omega-3 fats). Don’t overlook the pressure-lowering value of friends and your significant other -- people you can trust and confide in -- or the benefit of a daily walk. Even better, walk with a friend or significant other.

Q. I’ve read that a healthy blood pressure is 120/80, but you recommend 115/76. Why do you think it should be so low?
-- Anonymous

A. Medical evidence suggests that people with 120/80 blood pressure (BP) have half as many heart attacks, strokes, and cases of heart failure as people with higher BP. But cut those numbers to 115/76 and your risk drops even more. Not reducing risk as much as possible is like eating "only" one hot dog. Sure, you might get away with it, but eating none and having something healthier is far better. So why not go for the gold?

Don’t have a clue what your blood pressure is? Find out. Now! Your blood pressure ratio is the second most important set of numbers you should know (after your significant other’s birthday and your anniversary). Few things age your body as quickly or as dramatically as high blood pressure does. And it can happen to you, since high BP is currently an epidemic. If you thought swine flu was worth worrying about (it is), get this: High BP will trigger more than 60,000 deaths this year in the United States and more than 6,000 in Canada. Find out your numbers. It’s easier and even more important than knowing your cholesterol count. And fix them if they’re even a little high.

Q. I feel the same whether I’m taking my blood pressure medications or not. Do I really need to continue them -- especially if my blood pressure is normal now?
-- Liz, New York City

A. You absolutely need to keep taking them! That’s why your blood pressure is normal! And while most people can’t "feel" high blood pressure (that’s why it’s sometimes known as "the silent killer"), they will certainly feel its effects sooner or later, to the tune of erectile dysfunction, poor orgasms, kidney failure, and even heart attacks and strokes.

Q. How can I reduce the sodium in my meals without having them taste bland?
-- Richard, Mt. Vernon, IL

A. Easy. Even though salt hides out in many places other than the shaker -- like ketchup and salad dressing -- you won’t miss it for a minute if you make these substitutions (we do):

• Choose fresh herbs and salt-free spices instead of salt.
• Use herb- or citrus-infused olive oils, mashed avocado, or malt or cider vinegars instead of salty condiments like barbecue sauce, ketchup, and soy sauce.
• Swap olive oil and balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for salty salad dressings.
• Season poultry, fish, and veggies with onions, mushrooms, garlic, peppers, herbs, spices, and other fresh, savory flavors.
• Stuff fresh, crunchy veggies into sandwiches or wraps instead of pickles or olives.

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