Controlling Your Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

By Kenneth Phillips Jr., M.D., F.A.C.C., Cardiologist with Advanced Healthcare

Posted: Feb. 1, 2005

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for almost half of all deaths in this country, claiming more than 900,000 lives each year. The most common forms of cardiovascular disease are high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and stroke. With accurate knowledge and smart lifestyle choices, you can substantially reduce your risk of developing heart disease.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most important risk factor for stroke and a major risk factor for heart attack. High blood pressure occurs when blood vessels narrow, resisting the normal flow of blood and causing an increase in pressure. This increase in pressure can result in damage to the heart, blood vessels, kidneys and other important organs. What’s worse is that nearly half of those who have high blood pressure don’t even know it. And yet it can be treated.

Kenneth Phillips Jr., M.D., F.A.C.C., Cardiologist with Advanced Healthcare

The cause of hypertension is not known 90% of the time. Risk factors that contribute to the likelihood of developing high blood pressure include African-American descent, family history of hypertension and aging. While more men than women develop hypertension, more women develop it after the age of menopause. In addition, being overweight, excessive alcohol consumption, high salt intake, low potassium intake, smoking and lack of exercise are lifestyle choices that can contribute to the development of high blood pressure.

The first course of treatment for high blood pressure involves lifestyle changes. A proper diet combined with exercise can often reduce blood pressure without the need for medication. However, when blood pressure is too high, and/or lifestyle changes are not successful, medication can be very effective. Blood pressure medications have been used for many years and have proven effective in reducing blood pressure and reducing risk of cardiovascular disease and death.

High Blood Pressure and Stroke
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain is clogged or bursts. Much needed oxygen cannot get to the affected area of the brain and it shuts down. This can cause severe disability and sometimes death. High blood pressure is the number one risk factor for stroke, and thus controlling it is critical to stroke prevention.

High Blood Pressure and Congestive Heart Failure
High blood pressure can damage the heart muscle and lead to the inability of the heart to pump blood throughout the body. This leads to fluid back-up into the lungs and legs, leading to shortness of breath, weakness and sometimes other organ failure.

High Blood Pressure and Coronary Artery Disease
High blood pressure can also contribute to the development of coronary artery disease (CAD), or clogged arteries that supply blood to the heart. When this develops the risk of heart attack increases. Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. It is important to know the warning signs of a heart attack. If one experiences these symptoms, get medical attention immediately.

Warning signs of heart attack

• Pressure, heaviness, tightening or pain in the center of the chest
• Pain that radiates to shoulders, neck or arm
• Severe pain, fainting, dizziness, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath

High Cholesterol
As with high blood pressure, research shows that there is a significant relationship between high cholesterol and heart disease deaths. Cholesterol is an important substance used by our bodies to form parts of our cells and hormones. It is transported through our bodies by several forms of particles called lipoproteins. The most important of these lipoproteins are high-density, low-density and very-low density (triglycerides). High-density lipoproteins (“good” cholesterol) carry cholesterol out and away from the blood vessels. Low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides (“bad” cholesterol) can lead to cholesterol deposits in the arteries and the formation of plaque. See the chart for normal cholesterol levels.

As with high blood pressure, a diet low in cholesterol combined with an exercise routine will often control cholesterol levels. For some people, medications must be used to reduce cholesterol levels. And, like blood pressure, medications used to treat cholesterol can be very effective.

Lifestyle choices
Lifestyle choices can affect blood pressure, cholesterol levels and ultimately, heart health. Here are the top lifestyle issues that affect not only your heart health but also your entire health.

• Smoking – It will cause multiple illnesses and shorten your life!
• Weight control and healthy diet – Make a habit of healthy diet choices. Learn how to read food labels and adjust your diet accordingly.
• Know your numbers! Make sure you maintain normal blood pressure readings and cholesterol levels.
• See your physician for a physical exam.
• Know your risk. Evaluate your risk of developing heart disease. Talk with your physician about it.
• Women – Heart disease affects you too! Your risk of heart disease increases significantly after menopause.
• Exercise – A wonderful gift for your heart!

Kenneth Phillips, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.C., is a Cardiologist with Advanced Healthcare’s Good Hope Road Clinic (3003 West Good Hope Road, Milwaukee, 414-352-3100) and Cedar Creek Clinic (215 West Washington Street, Grafton, 262-375-3700).

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