High blood pressure
is one of the most
common and
preventable risks for
heart disease – a top
health concern for Southern
Maryland residents. “With our
society growing in every sense
heavier and obese, we are even
seeing high blood pressure
in kids,” said board-certified
cardiologist Dr. Samuel Foster.
“Something that was rare is becoming commonplace,” said
Dr. Foster, who has a special interest in preventive cardiology.
“Unless we make real changes, in 10 years we are looking at a
significant increase in chronic cardiovascular diseases such as
heart failure, strokes and heart attacks.”
According to Dr. Foster, lifestyle changes can make a real
impact in terms of quantity and quality of life. One of the most
effective ways of lowering blood pressure is weight loss. “Yes,
we have the medications but we need to encourage more
physical activity.”
He went on to add, “I tell my patients this is a partnership.
You have to be an active participant. You cannot be passive,
engage in your health. When you come to see me, I want to
hear you are walking more, cutting back on your salt intake
and following a healthy eating plan like the DASH diet.
“A large part of this is ‘mindfulness’… in other words being
aware and taking accountability,” said Dr. Foster. “There are
real things we can do but you have to work hard at it and work
consistently at it.”
“As with anything you want to get good at…repetition is
the key,” he added. “If you do the right thing long enough it
becomes a habit. What we want to cultivate in our patients are
healthy habits and a healthy lifestyle.”
Recently, we sat down to talk with Dr. Foster to learn
more about high blood pressure, why you should pay close
attention to it and what we can do to lower our blood
pressure and keep it down.
Q. How serious is high blood pressure?
The biggest issue is the lack of symptoms. Most people
do not realize they have it. This is why a yearly screening is so
important, especially for those with a family history. You have got
to know your numbers. (The United States Preventive Services
Task Force recommends annual screening for adults 40 and older
and those who are at increased risk.)
Q. What can happen if it’s not treated?
The problem with hypertension is that it affects the whole
cardiovascular system. Your risk of heart attack, stroke, heart
failure and chronic kidney disease…all of these are the result of
blood pressure that is not well controlled. You must be proactive
when it comes to blood pressure. You can take control of it.
Q. What increases my risk for high blood pressure?
Some of the risk factors for high blood pressure cannot be
controlled, such as your age or family history. But you can lower
your risk by making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet
that is low in salt, getting regular physical activity and maintaining
a healthy weight. Alcohol use and smoking can also contribute to
blood pressure issues. There is a race component, as well.
Blacks and minorities are at a significantly higher risk of
developing hypertension than whites.
Q. Why is early detection so important?
When you can identify the issue and bring about behavioral
changes or interventions that are not drugs you are more likely
to be successful. At the same time, you reduce your risk of heart
attack, stroke, kidney failure … the whole gamut of cardiovascular
diseases. Early detection can also lead to a significant reduction in
those events and bring about a 40 percent reduction in death rate.
Q. How much can regular physical activity and a
healthy diet help?
Physical activity not only helps control high blood pressure, it
also helps manage your weight, strengthen your heart and lower
your stress level. The American Heart Association recommends
adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity
aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity or
a combination of both, spread throughout the week. Eating a
diet that is high in fruits and vegetables, and whole grains and low
in saturated fats and salt can reduce your blood pressure.
Q. What role does good quality sleep and stress
management play?
Stress plays a role in this as does the lack of proper sleep. Getting
fewer than six hours of sleep for several weeks – can contribute to
hypertension as can long-term (chronic) emotional stress. Let your
healthcare provider know if you often have trouble sleeping.