High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Here are some common questions you may have about blood pressure and its relationship to your heart health.
You might consider blood pressure and heart health a bit like peanut butter and jelly. Yes, the two can exist separately and have distinct identities, but they go hand-in-hand and have a connection critical to your overall health.
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease, and how you manage your blood pressure is an important part of your overall health management.
Here are some frequently asked questions that you may plan to discuss with your doctor and care team, to help you manage blood pressure and heart health.
You may have more cause for concern about your heart health the longer you live with hypertension.
This is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Over time, high blood pressure can damage your heart. The exessive pressure can harden arteries, decreasing blood and oxygen flow to your heart. All of this can eventually lead to:
- chest pain (angina)
- heart attack
- heart failure
- irregular hart beat, which can be deadly
- stroke resulting from a burst or blocked heart arteries
However, you can
Your blood pressure reading measures the total amount of force your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries. It measures
- Systolic (top): This measures the pressure of your blood on the artery walls as your heart beats.
- Diastolic (bottom): This measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A healthy blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mm Hg, which means 120 over 80 millimeters of mercury.
Your blood pressure is considered high when you’re BP reading is 130/80 mm Hg and higher.
You may experience
- sudden, severe headache
- difficulty breathing
- pain in your abdomen, chest, or back
- numbness or weakness
- sudden change in your vision
- problems speaking
Your healthcare team can talk with you about heart disease and how that relates to your blood pressure levels, family medical history, and other risk factors.
Not necessarily.
But your risk for a heart attack or other heart-related event does
High blood pressure is a
You can
Both the
- eat a well-balanced diet
- limit alcohol
- enjoy regular physical activity
- manage stress
- maintain a healthy weight
- manage any other health conditions, including diabetes
Stress
This
Generally, stress levels are often tied to other risk factors and play a role in how higher blood pressure levels contribute to cardiovascular disease. This includes people who live with other health conditions, such as diabetes, which can raise your risk for heart issues.
Your doctor may prescribe several possible medications to help with blood pressure levels, especially if you have other risk factors for heart disease.
This
- angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- beta-blockers
- calcium channel blockers
- diuretics, or “water pills”
Many factors go into your doctor’s decision to prescribe medications, ranging from your overall health to family medical history and risk factors for high blood pressure and heart disease. They can guide you on any risks, side effects, and concerns relating to particular blood pressure and heart medications.
Following a heart-healthy eating style can help you lower your blood pressure.
This includes eating foods with nutrients like potassium and magnesium may be especially helpful.
If you have high blood pressure, the
- fruits
- vegetables
- lean protein
- whole grains
The AHA also recommends limiting foods that can keep your blood pressure elevated, including:
- red meat
- salt (sodium)
- foods and drinks that contain added sugars
Here are examples of other foods that may help lower your blood pressure.
You may also consider limiting or avoiding certain foods and drinks in the name of lower blood pressure and heart health.
Physical activity and exercise should be part of your daily or weekly routine. They can also help lower your blood pressure and have heart benefits.
This can include as little as 5 minutes of exercise each day.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend doing at least
Try these helpful exercises to possibly lower your blood pressure levels.
You may have many questions about blood pressure levels and your heart health.
This is where your healthcare team can best guide you, answering common questions about hypertension and your heart. These may include healthy BP levels, certain foods and exercises you can embrace, and how medications or lifestyle changes may affect your blood pressure, heart, and overall health.
