FLORIDA — ABOUT HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE: High blood pressure is a serious condition that can lead to coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and other health problems. About 1 in 3 adults in the United States suffer from high blood pressure. The condition itself usually has few symptoms. Blood pressure is specifically defined as the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood. If this pressure rises and stays high over time, it can be dangerous and cause harm to the body in multiple ways. (Source: www.nhlbi.nih.gov)
BLOOD PRESSURE NUMBERS: Blood pressure is measured as systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) pressures. Systolic refers to blood pressure when the heart beats while pumping blood. Diastolic refers to blood pressure when the heart is at rest between beats. You will commonly see blood pressure numbers written with the systolic number above or before the diastolic number, such as 120/80 mmHg. All levels above 120/80 mmHg raise your risk, and the risk grows as blood pressure numbers rise. Prehypertension means you will possibly end up with HBP, unless you take steps to prevent it. (Source: www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health)
CENTRAL BLOOD PRESSURE: Hypertension is a major risk factor for a wide range of cardiovascular diseases and is typically identified by measuring blood pressure (BP) at the brachial artery. While such a measurement might accurately determine diastolic BP, it does not accurately reflect systolic BP. This is because the blood pressure waveform (and systolic pressure) is distorted as it travels outward from the heart due to the presence of wave reflections from the peripheral arteries. Central blood pressure is the pressure that the heart has to pump against to get blood to flow to the rest of the body. Higher central blood pressures mean that the heart must work harder to do its job. This can eventually lead to heart failure. Central blood pressure also determines the pressure in the blood vessels feeding the brain. If central pressure is too high, it may cause aneurysms and strokes. It be directly measured only using a pressure sensor or catheter inserted into the aorta (usually through an artery in the groin or wrist). This procedure is invasive and can lead to complications. (Source: theheart.org, pulsecor.com)
METHODS: Traditional methods for taking blood pressure readings are still being used daily, but the SphygmoCor system may be able to surpass the technology of the traditional cuff methods. The device itself is a lightweight, portable, and used to non-invasively obtain important vital cardiovascular data that cannot be gathered with traditional cuff blood pressure measurements. SphygmoCor allows clinicians and researchers to measure the pressures the heart, brain and kidneys are directly experiencing. SphygmoCor assessments are fast and simple. It offers a painless and comfortable method for patients. (Source: www.atcormedical.com)
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