Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the measured force that blood flows through your arteries, and when the force is too high where it poses a health risk, it is referred to as “high blood pressure.” High blood pressure (HBP) is often referred to in the medical community as the “silent killer,” because it’s virtually symptom-free.
The danger of HBP’s asymptomatic nature is that most people will have no idea that they are at a high risk for heart attacks and cardiovascular disease unless they have their blood pressure measured at home or at a doctor’s office. To have your blood pressure measured by a cardiologist in Nassau County, contact us here.
Know Your Numbers
When your physician takes your blood pressure, you will be given two sets of numbers. These numbers will determine which blood pressure category you fall under. As of recent AHA/ACC guideline changes, the criteria for high blood pressure has been updated to include two stages. Under previous guidelines, patients once considered prehypertensive were at a higher risk for cardiac episodes that originally thought. As pictured in an infographic created by the American College Of Cardiology, below are the numbers broken down:
Top Number: Systolic
The top number is the pressure or force within the arteries during an actual heartbeat.
Bottom Number: Diastolic
The bottom number refers to the pressure measured between heartbeats.
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120 Systolic and below 80 Diastolic.
Elevated blood pressure is considered 120-129 Systolic and below 90 Diastolic
High Blood Pressure Stage 1 ranges include Systolic 130-139 and Diastolic 80-89
High Blood Pressure Stage 2 is 140 Systolic or above and 90 or above Diastolic.
These new blood pressure stages allow for better patient outcomes with an even further focus on prevention and early intervention.
Lifestyle Changes That Prevent Lower Blood Pressure
Lifestyle is a leading factor in determining your blood pressure category. To prevent yourself from developing either elevated, high blood pressure stages 1 or 2, it’s important to engage in the healthy lifestyle habits shown in this infographic.
- Exercise regularly.
- Maintain a healthy weight for your height, and keep your BMI within the “normal weight” range.
- Limit your alcohol use.
- Manage your daily sodium intake to ensure you don’t overindulge.
- Don’t smoke.
- Follow the Dash diet incorporating potassium-rich foods.
Have you ever had your blood pressure checked? If the answer is no, you could be at an elevated risk for deadly conditions related to HBP. Dr. Druz is a holistic cardiologist in Nassau County that provides a variety of preventive measures and testing for cardiovascular conditions. Click here for more information on the services we can provide you with.
Is HBP treatable?
Yes! There are a variety of things that you can do to treat high blood pressure including lifestyle changes.
Fact Most people that are diagnosed with “elevated” and “stage 1” high blood pressure don’t need to take medication!
- At these stages, being serious about lifestyle changes can be extremely effective if you are committed enough. This could mean exercising more, avoiding alcohol, practicing relaxation techniques to de-stress, and losing weight.
As long as you’re committed to treatment, there’s a good chance that we can get your blood pressure back to a healthy level. For a comprehensive cardiologist in Nassau County, book an appointment with us here.