Understanding High Blood Pressure

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: July 2, 2015

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High blood pressure reading on digital monitor.

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In every moment that passes your blood pressure is changing. It adjusts up and down to accommodate for changes in your stress level, exercise endeavors, sleep and even your posture. Your blood pressure measures how much resistance to blood flow is present in the arteries in relation to the amount of blood that your heart is pumping. The more resistance there is, the harder your heart has to work to push blood throughout the body.

Living with obesity increases your risk of developing a wide range of health problems, including issues from mental health obstacles all the way to chronic health hazards like diabetes and heart disease. Hypertension is an obesity related disease that is marked by an increase in blood pressure. While not directly hazardous on its own, high blood pressure will further increase your risk for potential health concerns, including strokes and heart attacks. If you are overweight and have found out you have high blood pressure, medical weight loss is highly recommended as a tool to improve health.

Blood Pressure: By the Numbers

Chances are that you’ve had your blood pressure measured before. This is what your doctor is looking for with that arm band that gets real tight around your bicep. A blood pressure test will produce two numbers, and together these produce a fairly comprehensive measurement of what is going on between your veins and your heart.

The top number is your systolic blood pressure, which indicates how much pressure is in the arteries when the heart beats. This is going to be the longer of the two numbers and is usually written on top. The bottom number shows your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, or when the heart is resting.

A healthy blood pressure range will be anything below 120 / 80. This means that your systolic blood pressure is 120 or below, and your diastolic blood pressure is 80 or below. 120 mm during heart beats, and 80 mm at rest. If you are in that ballpark, then you are doing well. If your blood pressure goes over either of these numbers, then you might be at risk for high blood pressure.

For many people, high blood pressure does not have any symptoms of its own, but it does put you at risk for a number of serious medical conditions including:

Heart attack
Stroke
Aneurysm
Heart failure
Metabolic syndrome

High blood pressure is considered an obesity related disease because of the pressure that added weight on the body puts on the heart. For this reason, losing weight is considered one of the best practices in treating hypertension. If you find that you have high blood pressure, it is recommended that you speak to your weight loss doctor about additional treatment options and any recommended practices with diet and exercise.

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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