New York Times interviews Michael Alderman, M.D., about a new study that will likely change clinical guidelines and goals for blood pressure. The study found that those who got their systolic blood pressure below 120 had a markedly lower death rate and fewer heart attacks and strokes than those whose goal was a blood pressure below 140. Dr. Alderman notes that this is the first study that has shown reducing systolic pressure to below 140 was safe, let alone beneficial. Dr. Alderman is distinguished university professor emeritus of epidemiology & population health and of medicine.