MARK YOUNG ON THE FUTURE OF HEART HEALTH

How Zona Plus is Transforming Blood Pressure Management

COURTNEY MCGEE

2025

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Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, with nearly half of U.S. adults living with hypertension. But what if a 12-minute handgrip exercise could dramatically improve cardiovascular health—without drugs, without side effects, and from the comfort of your couch?

That’s the bold promise of the Zona Plus, a portable isometric handgrip device developed by Zona Health and championed by its CEO, Mark Young. Young sat down with TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli, Editors-in-Chief of longevity and wellness platform Biohack Yourself, for an interview for the influential upcoming women’s health documentary, “sHEALed,” to share how this groundbreaking technology—backed by science, inspired by fighter pilots, and built for real life—is revolutionizing the way we manage high blood pressure.

“We’re not just treating symptoms,” Young explains. “We’re training the cardiovascular system to function better—naturally.”

The sHEALed Documentary is the sister documentary to Biohack Yourself, which became a massive success after exploding on the scene in December 2024 and ignited a firestorm of interest in information focused on health and longevity. Biohack Yourself features 114 prominent and respected high-profile politicians, doctors, bestselling authors, Ph.D.s, M.D.s, scientists, chemists, inventors, biotech investors, and world-renowned academics. Stemming from the success of Biohack Yourself, TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli and Anthony Lolli have grown Biohack Yourself Media to become the number one resource for health news, publishing over 500 articles ranging from breaking news to peer reviewed content.

The Origins of Zona Plus: From Cockpit to Clinic

Zona Plus wasn’t born in a lab—it was born in the cockpit. Originally developed during a U.S. Air Force study aimed at preventing G-force-induced blackouts in pilots, researchers discovered an unexpected side effect: participants’ blood pressure dropped significantly.

The science behind it? Isometric handgrip exercise—a sustained muscle contraction that triggers a cascade of cardiovascular responses, including the release of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator. Zona Plus refined this concept into a sleek, user-friendly device that guides users through a series of two-minute handgrip exercises, alternating between hands, for just under 12 minutes per session.

“It’s like a treadmill for your arteries,” says Young. “Only you can do it while reading the news or watching TV.”

The Hidden Problem with Hypertension Diagnosis

Young doesn’t shy away from criticizing the conventional approach to hypertension. In fact, he calls the condition “grossly misunderstood” and questions its status as a disease.

“High blood pressure isn’t a disease. It’s a symptom—of aging, stress, poor diet, and lifestyle imbalances,” he says. “Yet millions are prescribed medications that don’t address the root cause.”

He also points out how the American Heart Association redefined hypertension in 2017, lowering the threshold from 120/80 to 110/72. That subtle change added millions to the at-risk population overnight, increasing pharmaceutical prescriptions and fueling what Young calls “a misdiagnosis epidemic.”

How Zona Plus Works

The device itself resembles a flight simulator joystick—no accident, given its military roots. But what makes it powerful is what happens inside the body during use.

Each grip session prompts the release of nitric oxide, expanding blood vessels and increasing circulation. Over time, it triggers a release of potassium from muscle cells—softening the endothelium (the inner lining of blood vessels), which often hardens with age. This process improves vascular flexibility and overall cardiovascular function.

“You’re not just lowering blood pressure. You’re restoring homeostasis,” Young explains. “The body knows what to do—it just needs the right stimulus.”

Unlike medication, the benefits are cumulative and sustainable. And unlike many biohacks, the results are measurable with a simple blood pressure cuff at home.

Backed by Science—and the FDA

Zona Plus isn’t just another wellness gadget. Its efficacy is supported by clinical research from respected institutions like Johns Hopkins, the Mayo Clinic, and Harvard.

Zona Health is also undergoing full FDA clinical trials to expand its regulatory approval and reach. As Young explains, “People need more than testimonials—they want the science. That’s why we’re doing this the right way.”

He credits the recent leadership of Dr. Marty Makary at the FDA and the rising tide of integrative health advocacy as key drivers of change.

“We’re finally in an era where natural, data-backed solutions are getting a seat at the table,” says Young.

Women and Heart Health: An Urgent Wake-Up Call

Young is especially passionate about increasing awareness of cardiovascular risk in women—particularly after menopause.

“After age 60, women are more likely than men to experience heart attacks,” he shares. “Yet most women still think of heart disease as a ‘male problem.’”

He cites hormonal changes—especially the drop in estrogen, a natural vasodilator—as a major factor in postmenopausal hypertension. But few doctors connect these dots, and many women go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.

“Zona Plus is ideal for women, especially those managing stress, hormones, or aging parents and kids at the same time. It’s time-efficient, non-invasive, and empowers them to take control.”

Key Takeaways from the Interview

1. Blood Pressure Is a Symptom, Not a Disease: “Let’s stop treating high blood pressure as an isolated illness—it’s your body’s way of saying something’s off.”

2. Isometric Exercise Is Powerful Medicine: “In under 12 minutes, you can train your vascular system to perform better—just like exercise trains your muscles.”

3. Women Over 60 Are at Greater Risk Than Men: “Cardiovascular disease becomes a women’s issue post-menopause. Awareness and prevention are critical.”

4. Zona Plus Offers Measurable Results: “Unlike many biohacks, this one delivers hard data. You’ll see it on your blood pressure monitor—no guesswork.”

5. Personalized Health is the Future: “There’s no one-size-fits-all. But tools like Zona Plus help everyone meet their body where it’s at.”

How to Take Control of Your Blood Pressure

Start Tracking Your Blood Pressure Today
Know your baseline—and test regularly, especially if you’re over 40.
Use Zona Plus 3–5 Times a Week
Consistency is key. Each session takes just 12 minutes and can be done while sitting comfortably.
Don’t Rely Solely on Medication
Talk to your healthcare provider about combining lifestyle interventions with pharmacological treatments, if needed.
Prioritize Potassium and Reduce Sugar
Young emphasizes that sugar—not salt—is the bigger dietary culprit in many blood pressure cases.
Make Heart Health a Family Affair
Involve your aging parents and your kids in health-focused routines. “Health is generational,” Young says. “It starts with modeling good behavior.”

A Mission-Driven CEO

While Young’s background is in clinical psychology and marketing, his passion lies in health empowerment. Since taking the helm at Zona Health in 2016, he’s transformed the company from a niche medical brand into a rising star in the functional medicine and biohacking communities.

“I’ve worked with many wellness companies, but this one felt different,” he reflects. “It was the first product where I saw massive potential to create widespread, meaningful change.”

The legacy of Zona Health, he believes, is about more than blood pressure—it’s about restoring agency and autonomy in a system often dominated by quick fixes.

“When we treat symptoms, we create dependency. When we treat root causes, we create freedom.”

Changing the Narrative on Cardiovascular Health

In a healthcare environment dominated by pharmaceuticals and fragmented care, Zona Plus offers a rare alternative: safe, scalable, and grounded in physiology. As Young puts it:

“We’re not anti-medicine. We’re pro-options. And the best health outcomes happen when people have access to both.”

With heart disease rates rising—and more people seeking holistic answers—tools like Zona Plus may soon become the new frontline in cardiovascular prevention.

Check here for information about the upcoming spring 2025 edition Biohack Yourself Magazine, where the team at Biohack Yourself Media dives deeper into their insights on biohacking, longevity and cutting-edge wellness strategies. Biohack Yourself Magazine is the first peer-reviewed longevity publication with international distribution across the U.S. and Canada, bringing science-backed health optimization, functional medicine and performance-driven breakthroughs to a broader audience. Pick up a copy at major retailers, including Barber & Noble, Books-A-Million, Publix, Kroger, Indigo/Chapters, and select fitness gyms and pharmacies.