with Dr. Ellie Campbell
Podcast Summary
Blood pressure readings can be misleading—are you really hypertensive, or is it just a case of white coat syndrome? Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Ellie Campbell, a primary care functional medicine doctor, to unpack the complexities of blood pressure, its role in cardiovascular risk, and why a single reading in a doctor’s office might not tell the whole story.
Dr. Campbell shares how a patient’s unexpected stroke reshaped her understanding of blood pressure management, leading her to investigate overlooked factors like inflammation and metabolic health. The conversation also covers why home blood pressure monitoring often provides a clearer picture than in-office readings, and how standard measurement mistakes can lead to unnecessary prescriptions.
For those questioning whether their numbers reflect reality, this episode offers a guide to tracking blood pressure correctly, recognizing the impact of lifestyle choices, and taking control of heart health before problems arise.
Episode Breakdown:
- 00:00 Introduction
- 01:03 The Importance of Cardiovascular Health
- 02:14 Dr. Ellie Kimball’s Book on Hypertension
- 04:14 The Story of Dee and the Impact of Hypertension
- 08:45 The Connection Between Dental Health and Cardiovascular Events
- 10:55 The Silent Killer: Hypertension
- 14:07 Prevalence of Elevated Blood Pressure
- 17:45 Theories Behind Rising Hypertension Rates
- 19:40 The Role of Chronic Stress and Cortisol
- 24:50 Proper Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques
- 30:00 The Importance of Accurate Blood Pressure Readings
- 33:11 Understanding Blood Pressure Guidelines
- 39:49 Understanding White Coat Effect and Masked Hypertension
- 41:05 Home Blood Pressure Monitoring vs. 24-Hour Ambulatory Monitoring
- 44:40 Standardizing Home Blood Pressure Readings
Listen to the Audio
Links
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