By American Heart Association
Navigating the web for health information can be overwhelming, especially when you need reliable guidance. Thankfully, you’ve landed in the right spot.
We’ve gathered frequently asked questions from online searches and consulted Dr. Shawna Nesbitt, who is the John C. Vanatta III Professor of Internal Medicine specializing in hypertension at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. She also serves as the medical director at the Parkland Hypertension Clinic.
You’ll find her insights alongside useful links to resources from the American Heart Association, all reviewed by a dedicated team of medical and scientific experts. (If you suspect you’re having a heart attack, stroke, or cardiac emergency, dial 911 immediately.)
What are the causes of high blood pressure, and how can I quickly lower it?
Understanding the underlying factors of high blood pressure is essential, as Dr. Nesbitt notes that swift solutions are rarely effective.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, gradually weakens blood vessels over time, leading to problems in organs like the heart, brain, and kidneys. Various factors, including family history and lifestyle choices, contribute to its development. While some influences stem from genetics, childhood habits surrounding nutrition and exercise have lasting effects.
Other risk factors include stress, sleep disorders, and smoking.
Though lifestyle changes can significantly assist in managing high blood pressure, medication may also be necessary. Dr. Nesbitt emphasizes the importance of reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium by consuming more fruits and vegetables, along with remaining physically active.
Useful links for managing high blood pressure:
Key insights on the latest high blood pressure guidelines
Nourishing habits: Learning to eat well and acquire cooking skills
Healthy living: Tips for better sleep, stress relief, and quitting smoking
What is my BMI, and what should it be?
BMI, or body mass index, serves as a tool for relating weight to height, according to Dr. Nesbitt. Generally, taller individuals are expected to weigh more than those who are shorter. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offers a calculator for this.
However, don’t get too fixated on that number just yet.
BMI was primarily designed to assess obesity in larger populations, making it less effective for evaluating individual health, Dr. Nesbitt explains. A BMI below 25 is classified as minimal risk; 25 to 29.9 is considered overweight, and above 30 is regarded as obese. Notably, muscle mass weighs more than fat, meaning fit individuals may end up with a higher BMI. There are also differences in what constitutes a healthy BMI across various racial and ethnic groups.
Maintaining a healthy weight is vital for overall health, yet Dr. Nesbitt reiterates that BMI should be viewed as “a rough estimate.”
Helpful resources on BMI and weight management:
Healthy for Good: Adopting healthy habits throughout life stages
Strategies for maintaining a healthy weight
Guidelines for weight loss
How can I lower my cholesterol rapidly?
Similar to managing blood pressure, it’s beneficial to identify the causes of elevated cholesterol levels prior to taking action.
Cholesterol tests typically measure both HDL (the “good” cholesterol) and LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). Some individuals may have a genetic tendency toward high cholesterol, emphasizing the importance of early screening. Dietary factors, particularly high saturated fat intake, can also influence cholesterol levels.
Persistently elevated LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque accumulation in arteries, thereby increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke.
To control cholesterol levels effectively, “diet and exercise are key,” Dr. Nesbitt advises. However, medication may be necessary if levels are significantly high. Increasing fruit and vegetable consumption can be helpful, but any over-the-counter supplements should be discussed with a healthcare provider first.
Resources on lowering cholesterol:
Understanding cholesterol
Interpreting your cholesterol test results
Is cholesterol screening necessary for children?
What constitutes aerobic exercise? Is cardio the same, and does walking qualify?
Aerobic exercise, also known as cardio, includes activities that elevate your heart rate. “Walking definitely counts,” Dr. Nesbitt affirms. Other forms of moderate aerobic activity include biking, gardening, and dancing; vigorous activities include running, swimming, and jumping rope.
“Any form of exercise is beneficial,” Dr. Nesbitt comments, noting that the types of exercise provide different advantages.
The American Heart Association recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week, or a mix of both. Additionally, muscle-strengthening exercises should be incorporated at least twice a week where possible.
Surprisingly, achieving your exercise goals can be simpler than you might think; for instance, walking from your car to work can count towards your overall activity time, so consider parking further away to increase your minutes.
Useful exercise resources:
Basic fitness information, starting an active lifestyle, and motivation techniques
American Heart Association’s activity guidelines for adults and children
Five strategies to enhance your walking routine for better health
What symptoms of a heart attack should women be aware of?
While men are more likely to recognize classic heart attack symptoms such as intense chest pain, Dr. Nesbitt points out that women may experience subtler signs. Common symptoms for women can include:
- Discomfort, pressure, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest
- Pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Anxiety
- Shortness of breath
- Unusual feelings of fatigue or weakness
- Cold sweating
- Nausea
- Dizziness
“It’s crucial for women to be aware of these differences, as symptoms are often more understated compared to men’s,” Dr. Nesbitt explains. Consequently, women’s symptoms may be misinterpreted as indigestion or simple fatigue.
Links for understanding heart attack symptoms in women:
Symptoms of heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrest
Heart attack symptoms specific to women
Recognizing signs of a heart attack
Can heart palpitations be dangerous?
“Heart palpitations” describe sensations of a racing heartbeat, Dr. Nesbitt clarifies. This could stem from anxiety or an arrhythmia, which is an irregular heartbeat.
Regardless of the cause, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider, as most individuals can’t accurately diagnose the origin by themselves.
Palpitations may sometimes be accompanied by symptoms like dizziness or sweating, and anxiety can create similar feelings. While experiencing a few extra heartbeats generally isn’t an emergency, it’s essential to seek a professional evaluation.
Links for more on heart palpitations:
Defining an arrhythmia
Understanding atrial fibrillation
All about heart rate variations
What are the indicators of a stroke?
As stated by the American Stroke Association, stroke symptoms can manifest as:
- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body
- Confusion or difficulty speaking/understanding speech
- Problems with vision in one or both eyes
- Difficulties walking, along with dizziness, impaired balance, or coordination
- A sudden severe headache with no known cause
Women may experience:
- Generalized weakness
- Confusion or memory difficulties
- Fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
Should you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 immediately. Dr. Nesbitt emphasizes the urgency of prompt treatment since brain cells can die rapidly post-stroke. “Once those cells are gone, restoring function often becomes impossible.”
Calling 911 expedites crucial treatment to reestablish blood flow to the brain. Delaying can render many emergency therapies ineffective, according to Dr. Nesbitt, who uses the FAST acronym to simplify stroke response:
- F = Face drooping?
- A = Arm weakness?
- S = Speech difficulties?
- T = Time to contact 911.
Resources on recognizing stroke symptoms:
Identifying stroke symptoms
Stroke considerations for women
Stroke awareness in children
If I suspect I’m experiencing a heart attack, what should I do?
Your first step should be to call 911.
“Absolutely do that without delay,” Dr. Nesbitt advises. “Skip everything else. Never attempt to drive yourself or play the hero. Just call 911, period.”
This advice holds even if your chest discomfort appears mild, as it could escalate quickly. “The next symptom could potentially be losing the ability to breathe,” she cautioned.
A heart attack results from a blockage preventing blood from reaching the heart. The longer the tissues experience inadequate blood flow, the greater the chance of irreversible damage.
“So make that call,” Dr. Nesbitt stressed. “That is indisputably the best action to take.”
Helpful links for further understanding:
What is a heart attack?
Preventing heart attacks
Should you call 911 for heart attack or stroke symptoms, or drive to the ER instead? What experts recommend
