That may seem like a small reduction, but researchers say it’s a bigger effect than has been found in similar students studies on other blood-pressure lowering methods such as cutting back on salt, potassium supplementation , and reducing alcohol consumption. About 25% of American adults have high blood pressure, or hypertension , which can dramatically increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. If left untreated , high blood pressure can also damage the brain , eyes , and kidneys. Generally, a normal blood pressure reading is considered to be lower than 130/85 mmHg.