Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol: The Relationship Between High Blood Pressure And High Cholesterol
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol are serious risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
When high blood pressure and high cholesterol occur together, they can damage blood vessels and greatly increase the risk of further complications. Controlling cholesterol and blood pressure is very important to prevent heart disease and stroke.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs to make cell walls and some hormones. Cholesterol is made by the liver and obtained in the diet through animal products such as meat, seafood, and dairy products.
Genetics and lifestyle factors play a role in causing high cholesterol. Several different genes are associated with this disease.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, The typical American diet is high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which raises cholesterol. Not exercising enough and smoking can also be effective in this matter.
Certain diseases and medications can also cause high cholesterol, including:
Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to elevated LDL levels.
A type of kidney disease called nephrotic syndrome causes an increase in LDL levels.
Some medications, including steroids, protease inhibitors, and some birth control pills, can raise cholesterol.
The Relationship Between High Cholesterol And High Blood Pressure
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Both high blood pressure and high cholesterol damage the inner lining of the blood vessels known as the endothelium.
Over time, endothelial damage contributes to the accumulation of cholesterol plaques and inflammatory cells in blood vessels throughout the body, known as atherosclerosis.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Endothelial damage also leads to improper regulation of blood vessel dilation. As a result, the arteries become narrow and stiff, which don’t respond as well as they should.
Prevalence Of High Blood Pressure And High Cholesterol
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but only half of these people treat their blood pressure appropriately.
Two-thirds of US adults have high cholesterol, and of these, only one-third are treating it appropriately.
It is well known that high blood pressure and high cholesterol alone contribute to atherosclerosis and increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart disease and heart attack. But there appears to be a more complex interaction between high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, For example, when the risk factors of high blood pressure and high cholesterol occur together, they increase the risk of cardiovascular events. And treating high cholesterol in patients who have already been treated for high blood pressure reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. This suggests that treating high blood pressure and high cholesterol when combined occur is very important.
In addition, high cholesterol and high blood pressure often occur together, and studies have shown that high cholesterol is associated with, and may contribute to, high blood pressure in older age. It is important to look for and treat other risk factors if they are present.
Potential Health Hazards
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Both high cholesterol and high blood pressure are known risk factors for stroke and heart attack because they contribute to hardening of the arteries.
Atherosclerosis is the formation of plaque in the blood vessels. Depending on the blood vessels that are damaged, this condition can lead to health problems. Finding atherosclerosis in one artery means you may have blockages in other arteries in your body.
Complications Of Atherosclerosis Include:
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Coronary Atherosclerosis: This is the accumulation of plaque in the arteries that feed the heart. This can lead to heart attacks, heart failure and death.
Peripheral artery disease: This is a buildup of plaque in the arteries of the legs that can cause lameness or pain in the legs with walking that resolves with rest. These blockages can lead to limb ischemia, where there is insufficient blood flow to the leg and foot, resulting in non-healing wounds that may eventually require amputation.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Carotid Atherosclerosis: This is plaque in the carotid arteries in the neck that can block blood flow, break off, and travel to the brain, leading to a stroke.
Mesenteric ischemia: This plaque in the blood vessels that supply the intestine can lead to poor blood flow, or “intestinal ischemia,” which causes pain after eating and weight loss.
Symptoms Of A Heart Attack Or Stroke
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, If you experience any sudden changes in vision, weakness or loss of sensation on one side of the body, facial drooping, or chest pain, call 911 and see a doctor right away. These could be signs of a stroke or heart attack.
Management Of Blood Pressure And Cholesterol Levels
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Some lifestyle changes can have a great impact on lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. However, in many cases, lifestyle changes are not enough to reduce the statistics and medications are needed.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Having an active lifestyle can help control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as walking, biking, or swimming, weekly.
Healthy Diet
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, A heart-healthy diet is just as important as exercising. To help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, the American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a diet low in saturated and trans fats, low in sugar and processed foods, and high in:
The vegetables
Beans
Whole grains
Healthy weight loss can lower both blood pressure and cholesterol.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, When lifestyle changes are not enough to lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels, a doctor can prescribe medication to target each condition.
Blood Pressure VS Cholesterol, Statins are a common and very effective cholesterol-lowering drug that can lower LDL by more than 50%. There are many effective and tolerable drugs to lower blood pressure. A doctor can help you decide which type of medication is right for your condition.
Also Read:
9 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Naturally
Cholesterol Lowering Foods To Try: 8 Cholesterol-Lowering Foods To Try
The 6 High-carb Foods That Are Super Healthy
High Blood Pressure Foods: The 10 Best Foods For High Blood Pressure
