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.
Lowering Blood Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Managing blood pressure effectively can significantly improve overall health and longevity.
Understanding Blood Pressure
- Systolic Pressure: The pressure in arteries when the heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure: The pressure when the heart is at rest.
- Normal blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80 mmHg.
- Hypertension is typically diagnosed when readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg.
Approaches to Lowering Blood Pressure
Lifestyle Modifications:
- Healthy Diet: Follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet, low in salt, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Reduce Salt Intake: Limit sodium consumption to less than 2.3 grams per day.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, such as walking or cycling.
- Weight Management: Losing even 5-10% of body weight can reduce blood pressure.
- Limit Alcohol and Caffeine: Reduce alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
- Quit Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
- Stress Reduction: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, and sufficient sleep help control stress and hypertension.
Medications:
- Diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide) – help reduce fluid volume.
- ACE Inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) – relax blood vessels.
- Beta-Blockers (e.g., metoprolol) – slow heart rate.
- Calcium Channel Blockers (e.g., amlodipine) – prevent blood vessel constriction.
- ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) (e.g., losartan) – help widen blood vessels.
Monitoring and Follow-up:
- Regular blood pressure checks are essential.
- Adherence to prescribed medications and lifestyle changes is critical.
- Consultation with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
Conclusion
Lowering blood pressure is crucial for preventing life-threatening complications. By combining lifestyle modifications with appropriate medical treatment, blood pressure can be effectively controlled.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines for the Management of Arterial Hypertension
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/34/28/2159/451304
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23771844/
2. American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) Hypertension Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29133354/
- 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://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2018/0315/p413.html
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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!
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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.
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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.
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.