How are high cholesterol and hypertension related? – GANT News

High cholesterol and hypertension, also called high blood pressure, are two of the biggest causes of heart disease, and they affect millions of Americans. In the U.S., about one in three adults have high blood pressure and two in five have high cholesterol.

High cholesterol and high blood pressure are not only very common, they are also closely linked. When cholesterol plaque and calcium build up in the arteries, the heart must work much harder to pump blood to the rest of your body, causing blood pressure to rise and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

What causes high cholesterol and high blood pressure?

Both lifestyle factors and genetics play a role in causing elevated blood pressure or cholesterol, said Muhammad K. Minhaj, MD, a physician with Penn Highlands Internal Medicine in Ridgway, Pa. We often see these conditions in patients who eat a diet that is high in fat, live a sedentary lifestyle, are overweight or have a condition such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of high cholesterol and hypertension?

High cholesterol and hypertension typically develop slowly, and they often have no symptoms.

Because of the lack of symptoms, it can be hard to know if you have developed high cholesterol until it ultimately leads to a heart attack or stroke, said Dr. Minhaj. That is why regular visits to your primary care provider are so important. Getting regular screenings can save your life.

In addition to screenings, you should also be aware of the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, which is a sudden and severe increase in blood pressure (180/120 mm Hg or greater). A hypertensive crisis is a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Symptoms may include:

If you get a very high blood pressure reading at home but do not have any symptoms, relax for a few minutes and then check your blood pressure again. If it is still very high, seek medical care.

If your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath or symptoms of stroke (numbness, tingling, trouble speaking or changes in vision), call 911.

How often should I have my blood pressure and cholesterol checked?

At your annual exam, your primary care provider will measure your blood pressure and help you determine how frequently you should have your cholesterol screened. Cholesterol tests are simple blood tests that can often be done as part of your annual exam.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults ages 20 or older with a low risk have their cholesterol checked every four to six years. If you have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, your provider may suggest getting screened more often.

How are high cholesterol and hypertension treated?

Depending on how severe your condition is, medications, lifestyle changes or a combination of the two are often effective in treating high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure or cholesterol are moderately high, your primary care provider will typically prescribe a medication in addition to making these important lifestyle changes:

If it is time for your annual physical, the primary care providers at Penn Highlands Healthcare can work with you to guide you to a heart-healthy lifestyle. During the visit, the provider will help you assess your risk for high cholesterol, as well as other conditions, and recommend lifestyle changes or treatments if needed. Penn Highlands Family Medicine and Internal Medicine providers are located throughout Pennsylvania so that you can get the care you need close to home. For more information or to find a provider near you, visitwww.phhealthcare.org/doctor.

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Penn Highlands Healthcare was officially formed in 2011, and is comprised of eight hospitals Penn Highlands Brookville, Penn Highlands Clearfield, Penn Highlands Connellsville, Penn Highlands DuBois, Penn Highlands Elk, Penn Highlands Huntingdon, Penn Highlands Mon Valley, Penn Highlands Tyrone that have served area communities for the past 100+ years. Penn Highlands State College, a new, state-of-the-art, technologically advanced hospital, is slated to open in 2024. The health systems business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies.

Penn Highlands Healthcare has evolved into an organization with 6,651 workers in 150+ locations throughout 26 counties in Pennsylvania that include community medical buildings, outpatient facilities, surgery centers and physician practices. The facilities have a total of 1,498 inpatient, skilled nursing and personal care beds. The system, which has 827 physicians and 405 advanced practice providers on staff, offers a wide range of care and treatments with specialty units for cancer, cardiovascular/thoracic, neurosurgery, pulmonology, neonatal and high-risk pregnancy patients. Being focused on what is important patients and families makes Penn Highlands Healthcare the best choice in the region.

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How are high cholesterol and hypertension related? - GANT News