Blood pressure and heart rate explained
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 12 2010
Q: Is Systolic blood pressure the same as the heart rate that you read when you are on the treadmill? Is your pulse different from BP or HR? You say that normal blood pressure shouldn’t increase when doing normal activities. Doesn’t blood pressure go up when you are exercising, or carrying something heavy?
A: Systolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries that occurs with the contraction of your heart. Diastolic pressure is the pressure in your arteries between heart beats. With each heart beat blood is forced through your arteries creating pulsations. The number of pulsations that occur in a minute is your pulse. As this reflects your heart rate, the terms are somewhat interchangeable. Blood pressure increases with activity but should remain within the normal range.
Tags: arteries, blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, diastolic, diastolic pressure, heart, heart beat, Heart Health, heart rate, normal blood pressure, systolic, systolic blood pressure, systolic pressureCan atherosclerosis be reversed?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2010
Q: Can arteriosclerosis be reversed other than surgically?
A: Surgery does not reverse atherosclerosis of the arteries. Surgery can bypass clogged arteries or can create an opening which allows blood to flow. However, some reversal can occur with medication. Certain blood fat reducing drugs decrease the build up in the arteries.
Tags: arteries, atherosclerosis, Heart Health, Medical Conditions, medicationNormal BP and age?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 27 2010
Q: As one ages, I believe the arteries also age. As such, the norm of 120/80 may not be applicable to those in the 60-80 year range, otherwise these groups may be over-treated. Is there a table showing safe BP ranges for patients in the various age groups?
A: For all adults, 120/80 or less is considered normal blood pressure. Blood pressure at a level of 140/90 or more needs to be treated even if you are elderly. Not everyone can be safely treated to this level but lowering high blood pressure has been shown to be beneficial to even the very old. Charts are available showing average blood pressure based on age up to the mid 60’s. Click here.
Tags: age, arteries, average blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, elderly, Heart Health, high blood pressure, lowering high blood pressure, normal blood pressureAspirin and niacin for heart health
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: If you have had heart attacks in the family what is the dose of aspirin you should take? Also, if I were to take vitamins what would be the best to help with the heart, blood pressure, and cholesterol?
A: The risk of taking aspirin needs to be weighed against the benefits. You need to discuss this with your doctor. Niacin, otherwise known as B3 has been shown to improve blood fat levels. However, many people are unable to take this vitamin because of side effects. Taking niacin in prescription form often makes it more tolerable. Ask your doctor for a recommendation.
Tags: aspirin, b3, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack, heart attacks, Heart Health, Heart Health, niacin, side effects, Supplements, vitamin B, vitaminsThe need for multiple meds
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Dec 29 2009
Q: Is it normal to be prescribed more than 1 drug for high blood pressure? Here is a list of meds I’m on: bystolic 5 MG, zetia 10 MG, tekturma 150 MG, diovan 320 MG, crestor 20 MG, and nifedicall 60 MG.
A: It can often take multiple drugs to control high blood pressure. It is not unusual to be on more than one medication. Not all the drugs you are taking are for blood pressure control. Zetia and Crestor are drugs to help improve your blood fat levels. Both high blood fat levels and high blood pressure are risk factors for heart disease so both your problems are being treated. A regular exercise program will help improve both so add exercise if it isn’t part of your daily routine.
Tags: blood pressure control, crestor, Diovan, drugs, exercise program, Heart Health, high blood pressure, medication, meds, risk factors for heart disease, Taking BP Meds, ZetiaIs high cholesterol really a problem?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Nov 03 2009
Q: All kinds of Cholesterol Pills give me side effects — muscle ache, bone ache, stomach ache, head ache, and my mind gets blurry. I have tried all and cooperate with the doctor, until I can no longer tolerate. From last year to August I did not take anything but I felt good. But the cholesterol went up. I read from Dr Whitaker, that the cholesterol thing is just a crazy non-founded phenomena since the liver produces the cholesterol and our body needs it. Is this true?
A: It is true your body makes cholesterol and cholesterol performs needed transport functions in the body. However, too much cholesterol is not good. High cholesterol levels increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Regular exercise and eating foods high in fiber can help lower your cholesterol. To learn more about cholesterol lowering lifestyle changes go to: http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=523
Tags: cholesterol, cholesterol level, dr whitaker, heart attack, Heart Health, high cholesterol, lifestyle change, lifestyle changes, lower your cholesterol, Medical Conditions, side effectsBenefits and risks of low dose aspirin
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: Quite lately, I heard a doctor on Fox news extra indicate that the continued use of low dose aspirin to mitigate cardiovascular risks, has been researched and found to be pose some complications. He advised that the use be discontinued. I had to stop the use of low dose Aspirin. What do you think?
A: Low dose aspirin can cause serious bleeding. The risk of a serious bleed needs to be weighed against your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Not everyone has a high enough risk of a heart attack or stroke to make it worth the risk of serious bleeding from aspirin. In addition, recent studies have shown that some people don’t get any benefit from taking aspirin. You should make the decision about taking or not taking aspirin with the help of your doctor.
Tags: aspirin, cardiovascular, heart attack, Heart Health, Heart Health, low dose aspirin, Misc, strokeHow to lower pulse pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Oct 08 2009
Q: I’m 71 years old and have a high pulse pressure (in the 60s and sometime 70s) which I understand indicates that my arteries are getting stiff. Is there any way to achieve lower pulse pressure?
A: Getting your blood pressure into good control will help lower your “pulse pressure” (the difference between the maximum and minimum blood pressures produced during one heartbeat). In addition, a regular aerobic exercise program will help. Aerobic exercise includes activities such as walking, swimming, bicycling and household chores like sweeping and mopping the floor.
Tags: aerobic exercise, arteries, blood pressure, blood pressures, Diet & Exercise, Heart Health, lower pulse pressure, pulse pressurePositive health benefits of fruit, cinnamon
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 23 2009
Q: Have you heard of any research that has been done of any benefits of cinnamon (or cinnamon pills), Vitamin E, or certain citrus fruits like oranges and bananas that may help in lowering blood pressure?
A: Current studies are looking at the positive health benefits of many common substances such as cinnamon. Hot apple cider with a cinnamon stick stirrer may be doing more than just getting you warm on a cold day. Eating fresh fruits like bananas and oranges is known to be healthy. For more information on why eating fruit is good for your body click here.
Tags: bananas, benefits of cinnamon, cinnamon stick, citrus fruits, Diet & Exercise, fresh fruits, health benefits, Heart Health, hot apple cider, lowering blood pressure, oranges, positive health, vitamin eCod liver oil pills
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Sep 15 2009
Q: Are cod liver oil pills the equivalent of the Omega 3 fish oil supplements?
A: Cod liver oil pills are a type of an Omega 3 fish oil supplement. Cod liver oil pills are made from the liver of cod fish. The pills contain a high amount of the Omega -3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Also they contain significant amounts of vitamins A and D. You should talk to your doctor before starting any supplement.
Tags: cod liver oil, cod liver oil pills, dha, Diet & Exercise, fatty acids epa, fish oil supplements, Heart Health, omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3 fish oil, omega 3 fish oil supplements, supplement, Supplements
