Cardiovascular disease has been and remains the number one killer of American adults. Blood pressure is an important measurement to check overall heart health and is easily done by a primary care physician.
Blood pressure is the force of blood as it passes through the arteries. The negative statistics for high blood pressure (hypertension) are jarring, and they can be compounded by the social determinants of health.
Seven out of 10 people who experience their first heart attack have high blood pressure, and one in three U.S. adults have high blood pressure. Yet, staggeringly, only 54% of adults keep their high blood pressure under control.
Andrew Slattengren, DO, University of Minnesota Physicians family medicine physician, highlighted what the team at Broadway Family Medicine Clinic sees. “What we’re finding more and more is it’s not a genetic issue; it’s more likely stress related to the social determinants of health. Studies show that many common factors, such as stress or a diet high in fat and salt, chronic conditions like kidney disease or diabetes and tobacco usage are all common in populations with lower income and educational attainment.”
If blood pressure stays high for an extended period of time, it places an individual at a higher risk for many serious health conditions.
“Everyone should get their blood pressure checked at least once per year. Even with advancements in treatment from cardiologists, it’s important we recognize what is causing a person’s hypertension so we can potentially modify their behavior before they suffer from a catastrophic event.”
Andrew Slattengren, DO, Family Medicine Physician
If blood pressure stays high for an extended period of time, it places an individual at a higher risk for many serious health conditions. “Everyone should get their blood pressure checked at least once per year. Even with advancements in treatment from cardiologists, it’s important we recognize what is causing a person’s hypertension so we can potentially modify their behavior before they suffer from a catastrophic event,” Dr. Slattengren said.
Although most Americans know what behaviors are recommended for good health, many have trouble practicing such a routine. In response to this issue, the interdisciplinary care team at Broadway Family Medicine Clinic developed “Change that Matters,” an initiative that looks at six different modules to assist patients with healthy behavior changes that can affect cardiovascular health. The group is composed of different specialties, including psychology, pharmacy, nursing, family medicine and nutrition. The team at Broadway works to mitigate these barriers, lowering blood pressure and improving the overall heart health among their patient population.
Primary care physicians, such as Dr. Slattengren, adopt a comprehensive approach to health to enhance a trusting, collaborative relationship and provide continuity across time and the stages of health or illness. Monitoring your blood pressure and discussing heart health with your primary care physician are the first steps to better cardiovascular health.