![]() What this group did was look at all the studies and determined the association of each level of blood pressure and your risk for heart disease and stroke. Lower blood pressure is associated with improved outcomes. Q: What prompted the guideline change?Ī: Hypertension is one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke. In this Q&A, he explains the new standards and how you can keep your blood pressure in the normal range below 120/80. The change meant 30 million more American adults have high blood pressure.īrian Bostick, MD, PhD, is an MU Health Care cardiologist. Systolic refers to pressure during heart contractions, and diastolic refers to pressure between beats. The new definition of Stage 1 high blood pressure is a systolic pressure of at least 130 or a diastolic pressure of 80 or above. The odds increased in November when the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology issued new standards that lowered the threshold for the diagnosis of hypertension. ![]() If more than one of your close relatives developed high blood pressure before the age of 60, then you too are at a risk.If you’re an American adult, there is a 46 percent chance you have high blood pressure. Maintain a chart of your family members and immediate relatives who have high blood pressure. If your parents have high blood pressure, you are at a greater risk of developing hypertension. The increase may also be due to hormone therapy that some menopausal women undergo. Sometimes, the hormonal imbalance may cause weight gain, which in turn may elevate blood pressure. Normal blood pressure can be maintained by following a balanced diet, and an exercise regimen.īlood pressure levels could fluctuate during menopause, due to a fall in the levels of estrogen, which is a hormone that is partly responsible for maintaining blood pressure. This decreases the lumen area of the artery, which in turn raises the blood pressure. This is because of the deposition of fat on the inner linings of arteries. ![]() Obesity makes one susceptible to high blood pressure. Frequent blood pressure checks are required during pregnancy to prevent preeclampsia, which is a condition characterized by high blood pressure and fluid retention. This may lead to an increase in the blood pressure. On the other hand, as blood provides all the nutrients and oxygen to the embryo, the heart has to work overtime to pump blood to the placenta. The progesterone hormone, which prepares the uterus for pregnancy, dilates the blood vessels, thereby lowering the blood pressure. Following a healthy diet, and saying no to alcohol and smoking can certainly help.īlood pressure often fluctuates during pregnancy. To maintain a healthy blood pressure, you must maintain a healthy weight. The use of birth control pills or intake of certain substances like caffeine or nicotine could also affect the blood pressure. Risk of high blood pressure increases with the lack of exercise, unhealthy diet, stress, etc. Blood pressure levels could get affected by the lifestyle choices we make.
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