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 is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is usually recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure when the heart beats and pushes blood through the arteries.
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Normal and Abnormal Blood Pressure Levels
| Blood Pressure Category | Systolic (mmHg) | Diastolic (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Normal | <120 | <80 |
| Elevated | 120-129 | <80 |
| Hypertension Stage 1 | 130-139 | 80-89 |
| Hypertension Stage 2 | ≥140 | ≥90 |
| Hypertensive Crisis | >180 | >120 (Medical Emergency) |
Why Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is often called the "silent killer" because it may not cause symptoms while damaging vital organs. Uncontrolled hypertension increases the risk of: - Heart attack and stroke - Heart failure - Kidney disease - Vision loss
How to Control Blood Pressure
Lifestyle Changes:
- Healthy Diet : Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy; reduce salt intake.
- Regular Exercise : Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week.
- Weight Management : Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking .
- Manage Stress : Practice relaxation techniques like meditation.
Medications:
- Doctors may prescribe antihypertensive medications if lifestyle changes alone are not enough.
- Common types include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers.
When to See a Doctor?
- If your blood pressure readings remain high despite lifestyle changes.
- If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or severe headaches.
- If you have a blood pressure reading higher than 180/120 mmHg – seek emergency care immediately.
Conclusion
Monitoring and controlling your blood pressure is crucial for heart health. Regular checkups, lifestyle changes, and medications (if necessary) help prevent serious complications.
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Hypertension Guidelines
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-Guideline-for-High-Blood-Pressure-in-Adults
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29133356/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054602
2. European Society of Cardiology/European Society of Hypertension Guidelines
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://www.eshonline.org/
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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.
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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.