About-Cardio
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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels. It is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
How is Blood Pressure Measured?
Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.
A measurement is typically shown as 120/80 mmHg , with mmHg representing millimeters of mercury.
Blood Pressure Categories
According to clinical guidelines, blood pressure levels are categorized as follows:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mmHg
- Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 mmHg and diastolic less than 80 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 1: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg
- Hypertension Stage 2: Systolic 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher
- Hypertensive Crisis: Systolic over 180 mmHg and/or diastolic over 120 mmHg (seek emergency care)
Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
Chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) can lead to serious health issues, such as:
- Heart disease and heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Vision problems
- Peripheral artery disease
How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure?
1. Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy diet: Low salt, high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity
- Weight management: Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce alcohol and quit smoking: Both contribute to high BP
- Manage stress: Techniques like meditation and deep breathing help
2. Medication If Necessary:
Doctors may prescribe medications like:
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
Controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and complications.
Summary
Monitoring and managing blood pressure is essential for overall cardiovascular health. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and medications (if necessary) can help maintain optimal blood pressure levels.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Hypertension
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.heart.org/
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2017-hypertension-clinical-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/-/media/Files/Professional/Quality-Improvement/Pain-Management/AHA-GUIDELINEDRIVEN-MANAGEMENT-OF-HYPERTENSION--AN-EVIDENCEBASED-UPDATE.pdf
2. European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension Guidelines on Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
Best practices from USA, EU and Japan
Our answers to your questions are based on the clinical recommendations of countries with the most developed healthcare systems in the field of cardiology in the USA, the EU and Japan.
Always up-to-date information
On a daily basis, we monitor for you all new scientific research publications in leading scientific journals on medical issues of interest to you.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
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Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.