The Hidden Risk: High Blood Pressure in Young Athletes
Welcome to Cross County Cardiology
The Hidden Risk: High Blood Pressure in Young Athletes
Heart disease is rightfully labeled as the world's silent killer, responsible for approximately 17.9 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization. Despite its prevalence, most of the early signs of heart disease remain invisible to the untrained eye. This lack of awareness could result in fatal outcomes given the gravity of the condition.
At Cross County Cardiology, we're always on the lookout for new research that could help us better understand heart health, especially in communities that are often underrepresented in medical studies. Recently, we came across an interesting study from the Jackson Heart Study, which looked at the connection between neck circumference (NC) and heart health in African American individuals. The findings are intriguing and could lead to new ways of assessing heart disease risk.
From the moment you wake up to when you settle into sleep, your heart works tirelessly, circulating blood throughout your body, delivering essential oxygen and nutrients to your cells. It’s the engine that drives your existence, and yet, its gradual decline often goes unnoticed — until it’s too late. Cardiovascular diseases, with their insidious onset, can manifest suddenly as strokes or heart attacks, often after a long period of silent, progressive health decline.
At Cross County Cardiology, we're changing the way heart health is approached. Our proactive care is designed to stop heart disease before it starts, focusing on each patient's unique lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and overall health. We don't just treat symptoms; we address the underlying risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes, and guide you in preventing heart disease through meaningful lifestyle changes.
Here at Cross County Cardiology, Dr. Yaron Bareket leads the way in providing individualized care for each patient. We meticulously review their symptoms and concerns, tailoring treatments specifically to their needs. Before a patient even steps into our office, we ensure we have all the necessary background information and previous test results. This preparation allows us to focus our time with the patient on crafting a personalized treatment and diagnostic plan to maximize their care.
Coronary artery disease is still one of the top causes of death worldwide. Thankfully, advances in medical treatments, like coronary stents, have made a huge difference in how we treat heart problems. At Cross County Cardiology, we're proud to be at the forefront of providing this life-saving procedure.
What Are Coronary Stents?
Think of a coronary stent like a tiny spring that helps keep your arteries open. This simple, non-invasive procedure has revolutionized how cardiologists treat blocked arteries. In fact, the process has become so refined that it’s now often done through the wrist, allowing patients to go home the same day. The quick and significant improvement in heart function is what makes stents such an effective solution for chronic heart conditions.
Addressing the Root Causes
While getting a coronary stent can be life-saving, it’s only part of the solution. The underlying causes—such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking—still need to be managed. If these issues aren't addressed, they can continue to damage your arteries.
Life After a Stent
After the procedure, it’s crucial to stay on your prescribed medications, including cholesterol-lowering drugs, aspirin, and an additional anti-platelet agent like Plavix or Berlinta. Just like patients who receive a kidney transplant need to take anti-rejection drugs, people with stents need these medications to prevent the body from rejecting the stent. These drugs help keep platelets from sticking to the stent, which could cause new blockages.
A study by the National Institutes of Health found that the risk of stent thrombosis (a type of blood clot) was just 1.3% in 9,434 patients with new-generation drug-eluting stents. This shows how safe the procedure can be when done correctly. However, it’s very important not to stop taking your medication for at least a year after the procedure unless you have a major surgery or another serious reason to do so.
The Bigger Picture
Coronary stents are indeed saving lives and improving the quality of life for many people. But the key to long-term success lies in following your medication regimen and making healthy lifestyle changes. At Cross County Cardiology, we’re committed to providing care that goes beyond the procedure, helping our patients lead healthier, longer lives.
For more detailed information, you can visit the National Institutes of Health article on stent thrombosis here
Introduction from the Cross County Cardiology Education Team:
Understanding the distinction between a heart attack and sudden cardiac death is crucial for effective cardiovascular health management. In this blog, we explore the key differences and their implications, aiming to provide you with vital information that could potentially save lives.
Hello Cross County Cardiology community! 🌟
