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.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NUMBERS.
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.
MEDICATION MATTERS.
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.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES CAN BE LIFESAVING.
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.
Smoking:
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.
Exercise:
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.
Alcohol:
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).
Diet:
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).
Hydrate:
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
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LEONARD J PIANKO MD PA FACC
“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.
Outstanding Patient Satisfaction
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.
The expertise of a seasoned cardiologist with the
personalized approach of a primary physician
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