Is Your Heart at Risk? Understanding Atherosclerosis
OCT 10, 2024High cholesterol is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a serious heart condition called atherosclerosis.
Read MoreYou can feel perfectly fine and still have high blood pressure. The lack of noticeable symptoms is why it’s been called a “silent killer.” Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure or hypertension and, because it goes unnoticed, one in three people don’t even know they have it!
It’s important to know, because when your blood pressure is high, it makes your heart and blood vessels work harder. Over time, the resulting friction and force damage your arteries. Meanwhile any cholesterol that forms plaque in your artery walls begins to narrow the insides of arteries, further raising your blood pressure.
That one-two punch can lead to serious conditions like arrhythmias, stroke, heart attack and more, which is why it’s important to know your numbers. Read on for more surprising facts about high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association calls high blood pressure the first domino to fall in a cascade change leading to serious health problems, including:
You probably know salt and stress can raise your blood pressure, but there are other possible factors.
In 2017, the American Heart Association, the American College of Cardiology and several other health organizations agreed to a new, lower benchmark for what qualifies for high blood pressure. This new number is 130/80 mmHg and higher for adults. The old benchmark was 140/90 mmHg. The change is based on evidence that a blood pressure of 130/80 mg or higher can lead to serious health problems.
The good news is simple steps can lower your blood pressure. Lifestyle changes you can make include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, decreasing sodium, alcohol and sugar in your diet, being more physically active, getting enough sleep and reducing your stress.
If you’re concerned about your blood pressure, see your provider. Together, you can create a plan to bring those numbers down.
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High cholesterol is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to a serious heart condition called atherosclerosis.
Read MoreThink of a mental health toolkit as a collection of strategies you can access whenever you need them. It’s about equipping yourself to handle challenges in a healthy way.
Read MoreEating a good meal before trick or treating, planning a costume party, and keeping an eye on candy consumption are just a few tricks for a healthier Halloween.
Read MoreWhen you need local health information from a trusted source, turn to the CHI Health Better You eNewsletter.