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 Levels
Introduction
Blood pressure (BP) is the force exerted by circulating blood against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic pressure (top number): The pressure when the heart beats and pumps blood.
- Diastolic pressure (bottom number): The pressure when the heart rests between beats.
Normal and Abnormal Blood Pressure Levels
Blood pressure is categorized into different levels:
| 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 |
Why is Blood Pressure Important?
Abnormal BP levels can lead to serious complications such as:
- High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Increases risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and heart failure.
- Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension): Can cause dizziness, fainting, and shock in severe cases.
Causes and Risk Factors
Common risk factors for hypertension include:
- Unhealthy diet (high sodium, low potassium)
- Lack of physical activity
- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake
- Stress and anxiety
- Family history and aging
Prevention and Management
- Healthy lifestyle : A balanced diet (DASH diet), regular exercise, reduced sodium intake.
- Regular monitoring : Checking your BP regularly at home or at a doctor’s office.
- Medications : If necessary, prescribed by your healthcare provider.
By understanding and managing blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of serious health complications.
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/-/media/Files/Professional/Quality-Improvement/Pain-Management/AHA-GUIDELINEDRIVEN-MANAGEMENT-OF-HYPERTENSION--AN-EVIDENCEBASED-UPDATE.pdf
- https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/2017-hypertension-clinical-guidelines
- https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
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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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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.