Normal blood pressure is critical for your health.
21097 NE 27th Court Suite 110, Aventura, FL 33180
Normal blood pressure is critical for your health.
When we talk about blood pressure, we are referring to the pressure of your blood as it is pumped through your arteries, veins, and capillaries.
There are two numbers that comprise your blood pressure. The top number refers to your systolic blood pressure, which measures the force created when your heart beats and pushes blood through your arteries. Typical systolic pressure is below 120.
The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure, which measures the pressure in the arteries when your heart rests between heartbeats. Normal diastolic blood pressure is lower than 80. Both numbers are equally important in determining your risk factors for the future.
High blood pressure, commonly referred to as hypertension, means the pressure in your arteries is higher than normal. When your systolic reading is more than 130 and the diastolic reading is more than 80, you are officially classified as having high blood pressure and should monitor your blood pressure daily.
There are two types of high blood pressure. Primary (or essential) hypertension has no definitive cause. 99% of high blood pressure falls in this category, and could possibly be related to poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetics. Secondary hypertension can be caused by other medical conditions, such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, sleep apnea, and even pregnancy. Both types of high blood pressure are dangerous and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or kidney disease.
Often referred to as “the silent killer’, hypertension is symptomless and can lead to serious health problems.
Though this condition cannot be cured, hypertension can be controlled by medications and lifestyle changes.
There are many classes of medications on the market proven to effectively treat hypertension; these treatments include ACE inhibitors, diuretics (water pills), beta blockers, vasodilators, central agonists, calcium channel blockers, and many more. While diuretics are the most commonly prescribed medication for individuals with high blood pressure, ACE inhibitors are often the choice drug for those who have diabetes. So many factors are considered when choosing the right medication.
Even if you are taking medications for your high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are highly recommended, as these modifications can enhance the effectiveness of the prescribed drugs.
Nicotine is a stimulant that damages the blood vessels, thereby decreasing the amount of oxygen your heart receives and increasing your blood pressure. Often, your blood pressure will drop within a short period of time after you quit smoking.
As you exercise, you are increasing your heart rate as well as your breathing rate. This strengthens your heart and reduces the pressure on the arteries, thus lowering your blood pressure. By exercising, you may lose weight – an important factor in lowering blood pressure, sugar levels, and cardiac risk factors.
Like nicotine, alcohol is a stimulant. Even red wine, which has been known to have heart-healthy benefits, is only recommended in small amounts (two drinks per day for males and one drink per day for women).
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) promotes eating whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products while limiting saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar, red meat, and salt. This diet also promotes foods that are rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium (all known to help lower blood pressure).
Drink water. Avoid soda, both regular and diet. We usually recommend drinking 6-8 cups of water per day depending on your Body Mass Index (BMI), lifestyle, etc. This will help keep your blood pressure normal and aid with digestion.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle is essential to reducing high blood pressure, promoting the effectiveness of your medications, and lowering your risk for cardiovascular disease.
It’s a lifelong commitment, but it could save your life..
For more information on how to control your blood pressure, call 305.384.4720
Lowering your blood pressure can be a lifesaver.
“My patients know they can count on me as their advocate and to be accessible when they need me. Central to my Aventura practice is an unwavering commitment to personalized, compassionate, and quality care, supporting not only my patients but also their families in making educated medical decisions tailored to their lifestyle and personal story.”
Leonard J. Pianko, MD, founder and medical director of the Aventura Cardiovascular Center, is board-certified in cardiology and internal medicine, with special expertise in cardiovascular disease, preventive cardiology, and non-invasive treatment options, including echocardiogram and nuclear stress testing.
Aventura Cardiovascular Center is proud to provide the highest quality, most professional, patient-centered internal medicine and cardiology care with respect, compassion and outstanding customer service.
An extremely kind and caring Doctor! Listens and asks questions!
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Ethel T.
Great Dr,! Very patient and professional.
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Eli H.
The best team ever and Dr. Pianko #1. Never felt safer and so cared for. Thank you guys. -
Orit K.
Outstanding physician!! Dr. Pianko's bedside manner is unmatched for caring/professional demeanor!! His office is fully staffed with majority of services within. I have recommended numerous patients and they are still with him!
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Bruce N.
I am a new patient, and while it is tough trying to find the right dosage of medication for my condition, Dr. Pianko and the staff are always patient and professional. They listen! They keep me very informed and involved in my treatment.
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Charlee C.
This is why I drive to Aventura - best doctor imaginable...When my son didn’t have health insurance he gave him an echo cardiogram and a full cardiac work up and asked me if it was okay if he charged $275. If you’re as old as me —- you will understand why I compare him to Marcus Welby. He gives me every RX I need, even ones that I used to see specialists for - saves me money but especially time. The man is a SAINT.
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Donna S.
I was just speaking with one of my clients this morning and she was telling me how happy she was with the care her father received when he was in Dr. Pianko's care. She said she always knew how competent he was; but the thing that stood out was how well Dr. Pianko treated her father and how her father felt after meeting with Dr. Pianko. This is important for any daughter (and especially one helping from out of town).
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Seth B.
Dr. Pianko is the best doctor I have ever had. He is attentive, caring and medically skilled. I trust his opinion. He is away for the weekend but that does not stop him from returning a phone call or getting back to you. I have been an RN for over 30 years and I am very selective. If you want a wonderful physician who genuinely cares about your well being, Dr. Pianko is it. You can’t do any better.
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Hedy w.
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