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Did you know that after the age of twenty the vascular system begins to accumulate plaque? Tiny plaque deposits can embed themselves into our delicate vascular structures throughout our entire bodies. Over time, the sticky plaque can mount up and cause hardening of the arteries, block oxygen-
rich blood from reaching our hearts, or cause clots to form and break off.
If we fail to put our health at the forefront, we will very likely be in danger of issues such as a stroke, heart disease, or sudden cardiac arrest. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of vascular disorders, you are at an even higher risk level. If you smoke, drink too much alcohol, are sedentary, or regularly eat “junk food,” then your risk factors are ultimately elevated.
What can you do? Notably, you should schedule an exam with your physician to check your vitals and run the appropriate lab tests. You may need to have other types of testing if your report shows signs of any issues. Some of these tests may include a Doppler, which is a vascular ultrasound, an MRA, angiogram, or an EKG.
HYPERTENSION
High blood pressure has little to no symptoms and is often referred to as the silent killer. High blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart disease, and sudden cardiac arrest. It’s imperative to check your blood pressure on a regular basis and ask yourself. How has my blood pressure changed and what does that mean? Typically, the systolic blood pressure (top number) rises with age, while the diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) tends to fall.
A variety of factors can cause changes:
• Age-Related Hormone Changes
• High Salt Intake
• Changes in Walls of Arteries and Blood Vessels
High systolic pressure or hypertension may continue to rise with age even if controlled with medication, but patients can sometimes lower their blood pressure through exercise, weight loss, healthy eating, and abstinence from tobacco.
Some Symptoms of Blood Pressure Changes:
• Lightheaded or Fainting
• Dehydration
• Blood Loss
• Certain Medications can cause it to lower
• Could increase the risk of falls if not controlled
• Feeling of racing and palpitations
The American Heart Association has changed its guidelines for blood pressure. Essentially 120/80 is considered normal. Anything under those numbers is primarily healthy (but not too low), and anything over is borderline high to dangerously high. When the pressure gets too high, having a stroke, even at a younger age is not uncommon.
You should always consult with your physician first before embarking on any new diet or exercise program. With the proper lifestyle changes, and medication, you can enjoy a healthier life and stave off any heart issues through these preventative measures. Most individual’s blood pressure can be controlled with diet and exercise, but for those at risk, it’s imperative to take a prescription medication regularly that lowers your blood pressure to safe levels, and if you’re having any warning signs, seek medical attention immediately.
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From the common cold to a broken bone, Quick Care Med Walk-in and Urgent Care revolves around getting you back to feeling good!
3 Locations in Ocala
3415 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470
(On Silver Springs Blvd. across from Publix)
8119 SW State Rd 200, Ocala, FL 3448
(Just past Walgreens)
6341 N US 441, Ocala, FL 34475
(Across from John Deer)
Quick Care Med
Walk-In Clinic & Urgent Care
844-797-8425
www.quickcaremed.com
