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 Readings
Introduction
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against your artery walls as the heart pumps. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded as two numbers:
- Systolic Pressure (Top Number): The pressure when your heart beats and pumps blood into your arteries.
- Diastolic Pressure (Bottom Number): The pressure when your heart is at rest between beats.
Normal and Abnormal Blood Pressure Ranges
According to clinical guidelines, blood pressure categories include:
| 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?
High blood pressure (hypertension) increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other complications. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can cause dizziness, fainting, and shock in severe cases.
Factors Affecting Blood Pressure
- Lifestyle: Diet, exercise, stress, alcohol, and tobacco.
- Medical Conditions: Diabetes, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders.
- Medications: Some drugs can raise or lower blood pressure.
How to Measure Blood Pressure Accurately
- Rest for at least 5 minutes before measurement.
- Sit calmly with your back supported and feet flat on the ground.
- Avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes before measurement.
- Use a properly fitted cuff at heart level.
Lifestyle Changes to Control Blood Pressure
- Healthy Diet: Reduce salt, eat more fruits and vegetables.
- Regular Exercise: At least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Reduce Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation.
- Medication: If prescribed, take medicines as directed by your doctor.
When to Seek Medical Help?
- If your blood pressure is persistently high.
- If you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting.
- In a hypertensive crisis (BP >180/120 mmHg), seek emergency care immediately.
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://newsroom.heart.org/news/high-blood-pressure-redefined-for-first-time-in-14-years-130-is-the-new-high
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Arterial Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Pulmonary-Hypertension-Guidelines-on-Diagnosis-and-Treatment-of
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/38/3912/7741010
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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.