Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the broad term for a group of diseases that typically coexist within a person and are interrelated. Examples include: About 1 in 3 Americans has at least one type of CVD. Prevention is the best treatment because CVD kills more people than cancer, accidents, and chronic lower respiratory diseases combined. CVD risk factors are a mix …
How Sleep Apnea Affects Your Blood Pressure
Did you know that sleep apnea and high blood pressure often go hand in hand? Many people are unaware that poor sleep could be a key reason behind elevated blood pressure, which puts extra strain on your heart and body. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension or think you might have sleep apnea, this is something you’ll want to pay …
Enjoy Life with a Healthy Mind-Avoid Dementia
Dementia is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, with symptoms ranging from memory loss to impaired thinking, affecting daily life. While age is the strongest risk factor for dementia, it is not an inevitable part of aging. Fortunately, research shows that lifestyle choices can significantly reduce the risk. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, taking steps …
Why a Blood Pressure of 120/80 is No Longer Textbook Perfect
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) released updated guidelines for the prevention, detection, and management of high blood pressure in adults. These guidelines marked a significant shift in how healthcare professionals approach hypertension, with new thresholds, definitions, and treatment recommendations. Let’s delve into the key aspects of these guidelines and their impact …
Log Your Blood Pressure to Manage Hypertension
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that significantly increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues. One of the most effective strategies for managing hypertension is consistently logging your blood pressure. This practice provides valuable insights into your health, helps you understand the effects of lifestyle choices and medications, and aids in making …
Women’s Heart Health and Stress
Many women’s daily lives are stretched to the limit by the multiple roles they fill at work, at home, and in the community. In many households, women still perform most childcare, shopping, cleaning, cooking, and, in some cases, care of elderly parents or in-laws. Some working women have incorporated a male standard for achievement in the workplace while retaining the …
Work Stress and Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death of American adults. Although much attention is given to the importance of diet, exercise, smoking cessation and the role of genetics, a lesser focus has been given to the role of stress reduction in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. A large number of studies have demonstrated a clear link between …
Low Blood Pressure: When It’s Safe & When It’s Not
Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a condition in which the amount of pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls is lower than normal. In certain cases, this is nothing to worry about and can even be a sign of good health. However, low blood pressure can also be dangerous if it falls too low, and can …