Understanding Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is typically recorded as two numbers, written as a ratio like this:

Read as "117 over 76 millimeters of mercury"		Systolic The top number, which is also the higher of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (when the heart muscle contracts).
		Diastolic The bottom number, which is also the lower of the two numbers, measures the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats (when the heart muscle is resting between beats and refilling with blood).

What is the AHA recommendation for healthy blood pressure?
This chart reflects blood pressure categories defined by the American Heart Association.

Blood Pressure Category	Systolic mm Hg (upper #)		Diastolic mm Hg (lower #)
Normal	less than 120	and	less than 80
Prehypertension	120 – 139	or	80 – 89
High Blood Pressure(Hypertension) Stage 1	140 – 159	or	90 – 99
High Blood Pressure(Hypertension) Stage 2	160 or higher	or	100 or higher
Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency care needed)	Higher than 180	or	Higher than 110

* Your doctor should evaluate unusually low blood pressure readings.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Your healthcare providers will want to get an accurate picture of your blood pressure and chart what happens over time. Starting at age 20, the American Heart Association recommends a blood pressure screening at your regular healthcare visit or once every 2 years, if your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Your blood pressure rises with each heartbeat and falls when your heart relaxes between beats. While BP can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over. About one in three (33.5%) U.S. adults has high blood pressure.
If your blood pressure reading is higher than normal, your doctor may take several readings over time and/or have you monitor your blood pressure at home before diagnosing you with high blood pressure.
A single high reading does not necessarily mean that you have high blood pressure. However, if readings stay at 140/90 mm Hg or above (systolic 140 or above OR diastolic 90 or above) over time, your doctor will likely want you to begin a treatment program. Such a program almost always includes lifestyle changes and often prescription medication for those with readings of 140/90 or higher.
If, while monitoring your blood pressure, you get a systolic reading of 180 mm Hg or higher OR a diastolic reading of 110 mm HG or higher, wait a couple of minutes and take it again. If the reading is still at or above that level, you should seek immediate emergency medical treatment for a hypertensive crisis. If you can't access the emergency medical services (EMS), have someone drive you to the hospital right away.
Even if your blood pressure is normal, you should consider making lifestyle modifications to prevent the development of HBP and improve your heart health.

Which number is more important, top (systolic) or bottom (diastolic)?
Typically more attention is given to the top number (the systolic blood pressure) as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease for people over 50 years old. In most people, systolic blood pressure rises steadily with age due to increasing stiffness of large arteries, long-term build-up of plaque, and increased incidence of cardiac and vascular disease.
Source:AHA

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Mom, 27, tackling heart run 2 months after attack

A week after giving birth to her first child, Madisyn Brown felt short of breath. Her chest was tight. Her heart pounded, as if she was exercising.
She wasn't.
She couldn't lay flat while sleeping and was unaware that was because her lungs were filling with fluid.
All signs of an impending heart attack went unnoticed. After all, Brown is just 27.
But a heart attack is what the 2004 Chugiak High graduate suffered two months ago. She never expected to be walking in Saturday's Heart Run. But she is, along with her daughter and husband.
Brown gave birth to Harper on Feb. 18. Seven days later, she passed out at home while her husband, Stan, went for a haircut. Brown's brother-in-law found her when he came to visit the newest member of the family, and called 911.
What originally was thought to be an infection, Brown said, was really peripartum cardiomyopathy, a condition that occurs shortly before or after a woman gives birth. The heart expands and weakens, which decreases its ability to pump blood. Brown's situation was exacerbated by blood clots that formed in her heart.
Brown said doctors thought she needed a heart transplant so she was medevacked to Seattle and awoke five days later in the ICU at the University of Washington Medical Center. Doctors were unsure if she'd survive those first five days, Brown said.
Thanks to a faster-than-expected recovery, a transplant wasn't necessary. With 22 family members by her side, Brown spent a month in the hospital. It was there she found out about a Heart Run group, Team Mad Love, that friends created in her honor. What started with 50 members had grown to 159 by Friday and raised more than $6,000, the third-most among all Alaska teams.
Brown was touched by the support, but she never expected to be walking with her teammates.
"I didn't think for a second that I'd be able to register and be able to participate," she said.
As of Friday, Joe's Army led all teams with $11,500 raised for the American Heart Association, and the total donations topped $243,000, with more than 5,000 participants registered. Those wanting to participate in the untimed 5-kilometer or 3-kilometer events can still register Saturday from 7:30-9 a.m.
Warning signs
Brown went home with her newborn on a Friday. Her heart attack came on a Tuesday. Her symptoms started over the weekend, but Brown didn't know they were symptoms.
"Had I known what the warning signs were, I would have been in the emergency room a lot sooner," she said.
Brown said called her obstetrician/gynecologist, who suggested anxiety could be causing her symptoms. That made sense to Brown, she had just given birth to her first child.
Brown never suspected a heart attack. Not at her age. But it happened, and she wants others to learn from her experience.
"If there's any message in this whole thing, it's that ... young people do have heart attacks," she said. "If you have something like that going on, you should probably get your butt to the emergency room."
Healthy baby
Harper had her two-month checkup Friday, she's in perfect health.
"I'm just thankful that she wasn't affected by any of this," Brown said.
As for Brown, she suffered permanent heart damage and still has two clots. She's on nine different medications and recently had a defibrillator implanted. Still, she's upbeat.
"I'm not good as new, but I feel really good," she said. "And that's all I can ask for."
Brown isn't sulking. She's not complaining about being on medication the rest of her life. She said she's fortunate to be able to raise heart awareness and walk with her family Saturday.
"If I have to take some pills, I have to take some pills," she said.Source: Anchorage Daily News  adn.comHealthPro has a PHTLS Provider and Hybrid class coming up Friday and Saturday, May 9th and 10th.Sign up today at hpec.org or give us a call at 951-279-6110. 

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2014/04/26/3442630/mom-27-tackling-heart-run-2-months.html#storylink=cpy

Insomnia May Significantly Raise Stroke Risk

Insomnia May Significantly Raise Stroke Risk

 

by the Go Red For Women Editors

Insomnia may significantly increase stroke risk, particularly for younger people

The risk of stroke may be much higher in people with insomnia compared to those who don’t have trouble sleeping, according to new research in the American Heart Association journal Stroke.
The risk also seems to be far greater when insomnia occurs as a young adult compared to those who are older, said researchers. They found:

• Insomnia raised the likelihood of subsequent hospitalization for stroke by 54 percent over four years.
• The incidence of stroke­ was eight times higher among those diagnosed with insomnia between 18-34 years old. Beyond age 35, the risk continually decreased.
• Diabetes also appeared to increase the risk of stroke in insomniacs.

Screenings for insomnia important at younger ages

“We feel strongly that individuals with chronic insomnia, particularly younger persons, see their physician to have stroke risk factors assessed and, when indicated, treated appropriately,” said Ya-Wen Hsu, Ph.D., study author and an assistant professor at Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science and the Department of Medical Research at Chi-Mei Medical Center in Taiwan. “Our findings also highlight the clinical importance of screening for insomnia at younger ages. Treating insomnia is also very important, whether by medication or cognitive therapy.”
The study is the first to try to quantify the risk in a large population group and the first to assess if the risk of stroke differs by insomnia subtypes, Hsu said.
The study is based on the randomly-selected health records of more than 21,000 people with insomnia and 64,000 non-insomniacs in Taiwan. Researchers divided participants — none of whom had a previous diagnosis of stroke or sleep apnea — into different types of insomnia. In general, insomnia included difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep; chronic or persistent insomnia lasted one to six months; relapse insomnia was a return of insomnia after being diagnosed free of disease for more than six months at any assessment point during the four-year study; and remission was a change from a diagnosis of insomnia to non-insomnia at the subsequent time point.
During the four-year follow-up, 583 insomniacs and 962 non-insomniacs were admitted for stroke. Persistent insomniacs had a higher three-year cumulative incidence of stroke compared to the other participants in the remission group.

Insomnia may impact cardiovascular health via inflammation, increased blood pressure

The mechanism linking insomnia to stroke is not fully understood, but evidence shows that insomnia may alter cardiovascular health via systematic inflammation, impaired glucose tolerance, increased blood pressure or sympathetic hyperactivity. Some behavioral factors (e.g. physical activity, diet, alcohol use and smoking) and psychological factors like stress might affect the observed relationship.
Studies in other countries have also pointed to a relationship between insomnia and stroke.
“Individuals should not simply accept insomnia as a benign, although difficult, condition that carries no major health risks,” Hsu said. “They should seek medical evaluation of other possible risk factors that might contribute to stroke.”
Learn more heart disease research on Go Red For Women.
Source: AHA
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Hands-Only CPR Video Now Available!

New Hands-Only™ CPR Video Now Available!    

In preparation for this year’s CPR Week (June 1-7), we’ve created a new Hands-Only™ CPR Demo Video, which is available now at the AHA’s You Tube channel and at our CPR & First Aid website . Please take a moment to view the new video, and then pass it along to your  family, friends, co-workers and customers to help increase awareness of Hands-Only CPR and the importance of learning CPR. Stay tuned for additional tools, messaging and videos that will help you promote the 2014 CPR Week!

Source: The ECC Beat
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5 Smart Reasons To Eat Eggs

5 Smart Reasons To Eat Eggs

By Kristin Kirkpatrick, RD, for YouBeauty.com
Eggs are beautiful. They are a picture-perfect example of what nature is able to accomplish. They help make us more beautiful by helping both the inside of our body, like our hearts, as well as the outside of our body, like our hair.
While eggs have gotten a bad reputation for a long time due to cholesterol fears, evidence in the British Medical Journal showed that moderate egg consumption may not have any effect on heart disease or stroke.
Here are five reasons why eggs fit well into a beautiful diet:
Eggs can help make beautiful babies. They're a must for pregnant women. Why? Because eggs are full of choline, a B vitamin that growing babies need for essential development of the brain. Choline supplementation has also been linked to a lower risk of mental disorders in babies, as well as well as a reduced risk for both Down syndrome and dementia.
Eggs can help curb your evening snack cravings. Eating a high-protein breakfast helps ward off cravings later in the day, according to a 2013 study. The high quality protein in eggs helped create greater satiety in individuals, which lasted all day long. So if you're trying to lose a few pounds and just can't shake your cravings for chips or sweets after 7 p.m., eggs may be something you'll want to consider earlier in the day.
Eggs may improve your reflexes. A 2014 study found that tyrosine, an amino acid found in eggs, helped individuals with making quick, knee-jerk responses more than a placebo. Researchers noted that the tyrosine effect may actually help in situations such as driving where an instant decision can mean the difference between an accident and just a normal day on the road.
Eggs may help to reduce the risk of cancer. Antioxidants in eggs may actually help to reduce the risk of both cancer and heart disease, two of the major killers in the United States, according to a 2011 study. Even though cooking eggs reduces the amount of antioxidants by half, that still leaves eggs with the same amount of antioxidants found in apples, according to researchers.
Eggs may help to lower blood pressure. The protein in eggs could help reduce blood pressure by acting in the body the same way an ACE (angiotensin-converting-enzyme) inhibitor, a type of hypertension medication, would, according to a 2009 study. With a reduced risk of high blood pressure comes a reduced risk for heart disease as well -- an added benefit!
Keep in mind that you don't have to limit egg consumption to breakfast. Make hard-boiled eggs ahead of time and keep them on hand for snacks -- eggs are a great fuel source before a run. Or have them for lunch instead, using egg whites and turmeric-rich yellow mustard to make healthy deviled eggs, or even dinner, mixing together egg whites, spinach, onions and broccoli to create an amazing frittata.
Just be sure to watch your overall daily animal protein intake. A March 2014 study showed that protein from animals increased mortality in adults under the age of 65. That doesn't mean you should never have animal protein sources like eggs; it just means that your eggs should come along with a well-rounded diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and protein sources from plants as well.
Source: Huffpost Healthy Living

Eating eggs is smart.....so is taking a class at HealthPro.  Check out our calendar at hpec.org or give us a call at 951-279-6110.  Just a reminder.....today is the deadline to file your 2013 taxes.

Happy National Pecan Day!

Today is National Pecan Day!

Guest Blog Post By: Alexandra Oppenheimer, RD

In the spirit of National Pecan Day, I thought it was important to remind you about the health benefits of pecans.  When we think about healthy nuts, our minds quickly jump to almonds, walnuts and pistachios.  While these are indeed fantastic and healthful nut choices, we often overlook the benefits of another NUTritional nut, the pecan.  Although Rachel and I may disagree on how you pronounce “pecan,” we both agree this is a nut you don’t want missing from your diet. 
Every ounce of pecans (about 18-20 halves) has 196 calories, 2.7 g fiber, 2.6 g protein 19.8 mg calcium and 116 mg potassium. While this may seem like a lot of calories, just a small amount of pecans pack a great nutrition punch with heart-healthy fats, fiber and protein (nutrients that fill you up and keep you fueled).   Pecans are also the highest antioxidant containing nut.  The antioxidants found in pecans may help prevent damage in the body that could lead to Alzheimer’s, cancer or heart disease. 

 

Source:Rachelbegun.com

 

Grab a bag of Pecans and join HealthPro for a BLS, PALS or ACLS class this month.  Our class schedule and sign ups can be accessed at hpec.org or give us a call at 951-279-6110.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Heart Healthy Spring Recipes

New Heart-Healthy Spring Recipes

 

by Nora Bass

Spring is finally here, and Go Red For Women has 10 new heart-healthy recipes for the season for you and your family to love.

Spring Heart-Healthy Recipes

Enjoy the following recipes:

• Skillet Ham Hash
• Broiled Asparagus Spears with Lemon
• Chicken and Quinoa Soup
• Edamame and Navy Bean Salad
• Green Beans and Red Potatoes
• Sweet Spiced Salmon
• Tuna Niçoise in Lettuce Cups
• Vegetable and Goat Cheese Phyllo Pie
• Pork Tenderloin with Warm Fruit Salsa
• Pan-Seared Chicken Breasts with Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Great for breakfast, lunch, snack time and dinner, these recipes make any occasion a reason to celebrate your heart health.
We have all the ingredients, preparation instructions and nutritional information for you as well, making your heart-healthy meal choices quick and simple. With so many delicious recipes on Go Red For Women, your healthy weekly menu just got so much easier.
Wondering what to make? Let our drop-down menu on our heart-healthy recipes page help you make your selection. Bon appétit!
Source:AHA

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5 Steps to Loving Exercise

Research has shown that every hour of regular exercise can add about two hours to your life, even if you don’t start until middle age. Yet, about 80 percent of Americans don’t make exercise a regular habit. According to a recent American Heart Association website survey, 14 percent say they don’t like exercise.

Five steps in the right direction. The Mission of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. This is why we want to share tips on loving exercise — or at least not hating it.                 We all know the benefits of regular physical activity – increased energy, better cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke and looking more svelte. But about 80 percent of Americans don’t make exercise a regular habit, and, according to a recent American Heart Association website survey, 14 percent say they don’t like exercise. So how do you overcome an exercise aversion? Mercedes Carnethon, Ph.D., assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, has some tips to help you incorporate exercise into your life – and maybe even learn to like it. Exercise That Suits YouFind an exercise that best fits your personality, Dr. Carnethon said. If you are social person, do something that engages you socially – take a group exercise class, join a kickball team or walk with a group of friends. Or, if you prefer having time alone, walking or jogging solo might be a better fit for you. MyWalkingClub.org is the perfect way to connect with others who share your goals, lifestyles, schedules and hobbies. Try some of these ideas to help you get moving – at home, at work or at play.   Make it a Habit It takes about three weeks for something to become a habit, so give yourself the time to create a regular routine. One way is to try to exercise around the same time each day. “Exercise can become addictive in a positive way,” said Dr. Carnethon, who is also an American Heart Association volunteer. “Once it becomes a habit, you’ll notice when you aren’t doing something.”   Build Exercise Into Your LifestyleBe honest with yourself. If you don’t live close to a gym, it’s not going to become a habit for you. Likewise, if you are not a morning person, don’t plan on somehow getting up at the crack of dawn to make a boot camp class. “The key is building activity into your lifestyle so it is not disruptive,” Dr. Carnethon said. There are many ways to fit exercise into your life, and it doesn’t mean you have to make a big financial investment. You can borrow exercise videos from the library or DVR an exercise program. Do weight or resistance training with items around your home (for example, use canned goods as light weights).  Walking is great option, as well. The only investment is a good pair of shoes.   Do Bouts of Exercise It’s OK to break up your physical activity into smaller segments, Dr. Carnethon said. The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes a day of exercise most days, but if that sounds overwhelming, try three 10-minute workout sessions. You could do a quick calisthenics routine when you wake up, take a brief walk after lunch at work and, if you commute with public transportation, get off a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.   Keep GoingIf you miss a day or a workout, don’t worry about it. Everybody struggles once in a while. Just make sure you get back at it the next day. “It doesn’t take too long to get back on track,” Dr. Carnethon said. “It’s easy to make something a habit again. You will see same benefits before. Any little bit you can fit in will show benefits.” Source: AHA Join HealthPro for a BLS, PALS, or CPR class this April.  Sign up online at hpec.org or give us a call at 951-279-6110.  

Get Active This April

Source:AHA
Check out HealthPro's April course schedule at hpec.org or give us a call at 951-279-6110.

April is National Autism Awareness Month

In order to highlight the growing need for concern and awareness about autism, the Autism Society has been celebrating National Autism Awareness Month since the 1970s. The United States recognizes April as a special opportunity to educate the public about autism and issues within the autism community.

Join the Autism Society in getting involved with the autism community this April. April 2014 is National Autism Awareness Month
 
Source: Autism Society

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