The Associated Press

CHICAGO -- The government has issued updated guidelines on high blood pressure that emphasize that exercise and diet are often enough to prevent hypertension, even in people at high risk for the disorder.

The guidelines also say recent research has cast doubt on the benefit of some products promoted as blood pressure reducers. Calcium supplements and fish oil supplements, for example, show only modest effects, the guidelines say.

The guidelines are geared toward the general population and especially people with "high normal" blood pressure, measuring from 130 over 85 up to 139 over 89.

About 23 million Americans face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.