New Mexico Heart Institute

New Mexico Heart Institute

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Heart Health

Heart Health

  • Arrhythmia Management
  • Arterial Diseases
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Blood Pressure Management
  • Cardiovascular Care of the Athlete
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Chronic Total Coronary Artery Occlusion
  • Congenital Heart Disorders
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Device Management
  • Evaluation of Syncope
  • For Family and Friends
  • Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
  • Heart Failure Management
  • Heart Health
  • Heart Rhythm Disorders – Electrophysiology (EP)
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Pre-operative Clearance
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia
  • Valvular Heart Disease
  • Venous Diseases: Varicose Veins
  • Ventricular Tachycardia
  • Weight Management
  • Women’s Heart Health

Heart Health

Blood Pressure Management

High blood pressure is one of the most common diseases of the human body.Many times this disease is genetic, but it can be acquired by leading an unhealthy lifestyle.Unfortunately, high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure, heart attack, kidney failure and blindness if left untreated.High blood pressure is called the silent killer because there are no symptoms. Regular visits to your doctor will ensure that high blood pressure is detected early.

Two numbers determine whether your blood pressure is normal or elevated. Your systolic blood pressure (the upper number) measures the force of the blood moving through your arteries when your heart beats. Your diastolic blood pressure (the lower number) measures the same force when your heart is at rest.

According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure readings are divided into four categories:

  • Normal: Systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg or less and diastolic pressure of less than 80 mm Hg
  • Pre-hypertension: Systolic pressure of 120 to 139 mm Hg or diastolic pressure of 80 to 89 mm Hg
  • High Stage 1: Systolic pressure of 140 to 159 mm Hg or diastolic pressure of 90 to 99 mm Hg
  • High Stage 2: Systolic pressure of 160 or higher mm Hg or diastolic pressure of 100 mm Hg or higher

As many as 60 million Americans may have high blood pressure. The following factors contribute to an increase in blood pressure:

  • being overweight
  • salt intake
  • a lack of exercise and physical activity
  • heavy intake of alcohol
  • smoking
  • stress

Because blood pressure changes from minute to minute, it is affected by activity and rest, body temperature, diet, emotional state, posture, and medications.Your doctor will discuss the course of treatment you require, based on the severity of your hypertension, its causes, and any other co-existing medical conditions. Simple lifestyle modifications can make a huge difference to your blood pressure:

  • Have your blood pressure checked regularly
  • Eat a healthy diet, including whole grains and fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Always follow your doctors orders and take any prescribed medications as directed
  • Maintain an ideal body weight
  • Do some type of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day
  • Stop smoking
  • Cut down on salt and avoid high sodium foods
  • Use exercise and relaxation techniques to manage your stress

Physicians

  • Mark Zolnick, MD, FACC, FSCAI
  • Brendan J. Cavanaugh, MD, FACC & NMHI CMO
  • Brad Stamm, MD, FACC
  • Karen Sopko, MD, FACC
  • Mel Peralta, MD, FACC
  • Mridula Rai, MD, FACC
  • Munif Alkouz, MD

Locations

  • Albuquerque Westside/Rio Rancho
  • Albuquerque
  • Santa Fe
  • Espanola

Heart Health

Heart Health

  • Arrhythmia Management
  • Arterial Diseases
  • Atrial Fibrillation
  • Blood Pressure Management
  • Cardiovascular Care of the Athlete
  • Cholesterol Management
  • Chronic Total Coronary Artery Occlusion
  • Congenital Heart Disorders
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Device Management
  • Evaluation of Syncope
  • For Family and Friends
  • Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)
  • Heart Failure Management
  • Heart Health
  • Heart Rhythm Disorders – Electrophysiology (EP)
  • Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
  • Peripheral Arterial Disease
  • Peripheral Vascular Disease
  • Pre-operative Clearance
  • Rehabilitation Services
  • Supraventricular Tachycardia
  • Valvular Heart Disease
  • Venous Diseases: Varicose Veins
  • Ventricular Tachycardia
  • Weight Management
  • Women’s Heart Health

Heart Services

Heart Health
Heart Services
Vascular Services

Screenings

PEACE OF MIND...
FOR YOUR HEART

One screening that anyone over 50 should have... just $150

Vascular Health Screening

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Please do not contact us by email regarding your medical care.
Please contact us by telephone at (505) 841-1000 in order to assure prompt attention to your medical care.

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