It’s Topic Tuesday!

Welcome back everyone! In this week's Topic Tuesday, we’ll break down what blood pressure is, how it's measured, what the numbers mean, and most importantly—why it matters so much for those living with aortic disease.

What Is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. The aorta is the largest artery in your body, and it takes the brunt of this pressure with every heartbeat. An adequate pressure is required to make sure every organ receives enough blood supply, but excessively high pressures can also lead to complications. 

Understanding the Numbers

Blood pressure is usually written as two numbers, such as “120/80”, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).

• Systolic Pressure (top number): This is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats and pumps blood out.

• Diastolic Pressure (bottom number): This measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

How Is Blood Pressure Measured?

Blood pressure is most commonly measured using a cuff around your arm (sphygmomanometer) and a stethoscope. The cuff inflates to temporarily stop blood flow, then slowly deflates while measuring the pressure of blood flowing through the artery.

Automated blood pressure monitors can be used at home, which can be very helpful for keeping track of your readings daily. If you’re managing an aortic condition, your doctor may ask you to monitor your blood pressure regularly and record your numbers.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/tips-to-measure-your-blood-pressure-correctly

What Is a “Normal” Blood Pressure?

According to most guidelines:

• Normal blood pressure: Less than 120/80 mmHg

• Elevated (Prehypertension): Systolic between 120–139 and diastolic between 80-89

• High blood pressure (Hypertension): 140/90 mmHg or higher

However, for people with aortic aneurysms or those who’ve had a dissection, your doctor may recommend even lower targets, sometimes around a systolic pressure of 110. Always follow the goal set by your healthcare team.

Why Is Blood Pressure So Important in Aortic Disease?

Consistently elevated blood pressures can put stress on arteries. This can have several consequences:

• Arteries may develop plaques that restrict blood flow

• An aneurysm may grow faster or rupture.

• A dissection may extend further or re-tear.

https://www.tgh.org/institutes-and-services/conditions/aortic-aneurysms

That’s why controlling your blood pressure is one of the most important things you can do to protect your aorta and stay healthy. Here are some ways to keep blood pressure in check:

1. Taking medications as prescribed

   Many classes of medications exist to reduce blood pressure through different mechanisms. Taking these medications regularly and on time prevents high peaks and low troughs in pressure.

2. Limit salt intake and follow an appropriate diet

   Too much dietary salt can raise blood pressure, and certain diets are effective at reducing blood pressure.

3. Stay active, but follow your doctor’s advice.

   Some forms of exercise can help lower blood pressure, but your doctor may give you suggestions for activities to perform or avoid.

4. Monitor at home.

   Keep a log of your readings and bring it to your appointments. This gives your doctor helpful information to guide your care.

That’s it for another Topic Tuesday! We hope to see you again next week!

-Purab