The medical providers and staff of Cardio Texas are ready and willing to assist you with questions about your care, so please contact us at (512) 807-3140 so we can determine how best to provide you the information you need.
You may also find it helpful to use our online patient education library. Use the links below to find definitions and descriptions of terms, procedures, diagnoses, tests, and other information intended to answer some basic questions you may have. We hope you find the library informative and please don’t hesitate to ask us for more information as you need it.
Your Prescription for a Healthy Heart
Here are some new ways to lower your blood pressure, stay heart healthy and live life to its fullest.
Go Ahead Hit Snooze
Getting 7-8 hours of sleep can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Walk it Out
Just 20 minutes a day can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. Choose the stairs over the elevator and park farther away from the store!
Java Lovers Rejoice
Just one cup of coffee a week can reduce your risk of stroke.
Squash High Cholesterol
Adding a serving of acorn squash has nearly 10% of your daily value of fiber, which can reduce cholesterol.
Don’t Hold It
Did you know the stress of having a full bladder may increase your blood pressure?
Hug It Out For Your Health
Hugs can bring down blood pressure levels in some women and are the perfect reason to give a hug today.
Source: American Heart Association, February 2019
New Blood Pressure Guidelines
Know Your Numbers!
Blood pressure is the force of your blood moving against the walls of your arteries. It's expressed as two numbers:
- Systolic (mm Hg): top number - the pressure or force in the arteries when the heart beats
- Diastolic (mm Hg): bottom number - the pressure measured between heartbeats
New ACC/AHA high blood pressure guidelines are:
- Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg;
- Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80;
- High (also called Hypertension):
- Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89;
- Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg;
Livestyle Changes that Lower Blood Pressure
- Move more
- Don't smoke
- De-stress
- Focus on Nutrition
- Cut Salt
- Limit Alcohol
- Lose Weight
Warning!
Over time elevated or high blood pressure weakens your heart, blood vessels and kidneys, and makes a stroke or heart attack much more likely.