Ep. 14 - Understanding & Managing High Blood Pressure: Men's health Preventative Screening Guide

08/20/24 • 16 min

In this in-depth podcast, cardiologist Dr. Craig Walker provides a thorough overview of high blood pressure (hypertension) - one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Dr. Walker explains what blood pressure is and why it's important to control. He discusses the various causes of high blood pressure, including both primary (essential) hypertension as well as secondary causes related to underlying medical conditions. Dr. Walker stresses the importance of evaluating patients to determine if high blood pressure has a reversible medical cause. He also covers the risks of uncontrolled high blood pressure, symptoms of hypertensive crisis, lifestyle factors like salt intake, and non-pharmacological and pharmacological treatment approaches. This educational podcast is ideal for anyone looking to gain a better understanding of high blood pressure from a cardiologist's perspective.
Key points discussed in the podcast:

Definition of blood pressure and the two numbers typically reported
Normal blood pressure ranges and the goal of having the lowest possible blood pressure without symptoms
Primary/essential vs secondary causes of high blood pressure
Examples of secondary causes like renal artery stenosis, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, coarctation of the aorta
Risks of uncontrolled high blood pressure like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage
Evaluation steps the cardiologist takes when a patient presents with high blood pressure, including checking for secondary causes
Hypertensive crisis and the need to rapidly lower blood pressure in symptomatic patients
Importance of medications that don't interfere with treating an underlying secondary cause
Role of salt/sodium intake and how it can raise blood pressure by increasing fluid retention

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com

Definition of blood pressure and the two numbers typically reported
Normal blood pressure ranges and the goal of having the lowest possible blood pressure without symptoms
Primary/essential vs secondary causes of high blood pressure
Examples of secondary causes like renal artery stenosis, pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, coarctation of the aorta
Risks of uncontrolled high blood pressure like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney damage
Evaluation steps the cardiologist takes when a patient presents with high blood pressure, including checking for secondary causes
Hypertensive crisis and the need to rapidly lower blood pressure in symptomatic patients
Importance of medications that don't interfere with treating an underlying secondary cause
Role of salt/sodium intake and how it can raise blood pressure by increasing fluid retention

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com

Previous Episode

Ep. 13 - Understanding PCSK9 Inhibitors for Cholesterol-Lowering: Men's health Preventative Screening Guide

Dr. Craig Walker and Terry Roberts discuss a new class of injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors. These medications provide an additional option for lowering LDL ("bad") cholesterol beyond statin therapy alone.
Dr. Walker explains how PCSK9 normally works to block the recycling of LDL receptors in the liver, preventing further removal of LDL from the bloodstream. Two PCSK9 inhibitor drugs, Repatha and Praluent, use monoclonal antibodies to bind to PCSK9 instead, allowing LDL receptors to function properly and clear more LDL.
Viewers will learn about the mechanism of action of PCSK9 inhibitors and how they can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk by optimizing cholesterol levels.
Key Points:

Introduction of PCSK9 inhibitors as a new class of injectable cholesterol-lowering drugs
Explanation of how the PCSK9 protein works to block LDL receptor recycling in the liver
Mechanism of action of PCSK9 inhibitor monoclonal antibodies like Repatha and Praluent
Ability of PCSK9 inhibitors to further lower LDL cholesterol beyond statin therapy alone
Potential role in optimizing cholesterol management and reducing cardiovascular risk

For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com

Next Episode

Ep. 15 - Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Preventive Measures

In this episode of Cardiovascular Matters, Dr. Craig Walker and Terry Roberts delve into the critical topic of peripheral artery disease (PAD). They highlight the alarming prevalence of PAD, with an estimated 25 million Americans affected, and emphasize its deadly nature, noting that a person with a new PAD diagnosis is as likely to die of a heart attack as a heart attack survivor.
The discussion underscores the importance of early diagnosis, even in asymptomatic patients, as this presents a valuable opportunity to implement preventive measures and potentially save lives. Dr. Walker explains the various symptoms associated with PAD, ranging from claudication (pain in the muscles during walking) to critical limb ischemia, which can lead to non-healing wounds, ulcers, and even gangrene.
The key risk factors for PAD, such as advanced age, smoking, and diabetes, are explored in depth. The presenters stress the need for healthcare providers to actively screen for PAD, particularly in high-risk populations, through simple techniques like pulse checks and pressure measurements. They also emphasize the importance of a holistic approach, focusing on risk factor modification, including smoking cessation, cholesterol management, and the implementation of walking programs.
~~~~ Key Points Discussed ~~~~

Prevalence of peripheral artery disease, with an estimated 25 million Americans affected
Peripheral artery disease as a marker for increased risk of heart attack and stroke
Importance of early diagnosis, even in asymptomatic patients, to implement preventive measures
Common symptoms of peripheral artery disease, including claudication, loss of hair on the lower extremities, and critical limb ischemia
Risk factors for peripheral artery disease, including advanced age, smoking, and diabetes
Preventive measures, such as smoking cessation, cholesterol management, walking programs, and medication therapy
Screening techniques, including pulse checks and pressure measurements, to diagnose peripheral artery disease

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The episode also touches on the various medical therapies available, such as the use of aspirin, antiplatelet agents, and the medication salostazole, which can improve blood flow to the legs. Additionally, the discussion highlights the significance of screening for associated conditions, such as coronary artery disease and carotid artery disease, to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient care.
By the end of this informative episode, viewers will have a deeper understanding of the prevalence, symptoms, and preventive measures for peripheral artery disease, empowering them to advocate for their own health and that of their loved ones.
For more information, visit:
Facebook Page: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558432490919
www.cardio.com