Can You Have Normal Blood Pressure and Still Be at Risk for Heart Disease?

A normal blood pressure reading can make you feel confident about your cardiovascular health, but it doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. You could still be at risk for heart disease, the number one cause of death in the United States.

At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, our expert team provides the insights and guidance you need to stay healthy, whether you have high blood pressure or not. Here, we walk you through the other risk factors you should know about and how to manage them.

Why blood pressure matters (but isn’t everything)

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common condition that affects almost half (47%) of adults in the United States. Without proper management, the pressure of blood against the artery walls gradually damages them, leading to serious health issues, including coronary artery disease (CAD), heart attack, and stroke.

High blood pressure typically has no warning signs, so getting it checked regularly is the only way to know if it’s too high. However, your blood pressure is only one piece of the puzzle.

Other risk factors for heart disease

A normal blood pressure reading doesn’t mean you’re free from cardiovascular concerns. To protect your heart health, it’s essential to be aware of other important factors that may be impacting your risk, such as:

Family history

Genetics plays a big part in determining whether or not you develop heart disease. A family history of the condition, particularly in a parent or sibling, can increase your own risk even if you lead a healthy lifestyle.

Cholesterol levels

Your liver produces cholesterol, a waxy substance with many important functions, and it’s also in many foods you eat. Your body needs a certain amount, but too much “bad” low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can build up in your arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow to your heart, brain, and other vital organs.

We check your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test during your annual physical exam. Based on your results, we can help you manage high cholesterol with healthy lifestyle changes and medication, when necessary.

Diabetes and blood sugar

Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are major risk factors for heart disease. Over time, you can experience damage to your blood vessels and the nerves that control your heart and circulation due to high blood sugar levels.

Early intervention is key, and our team can help you identify prediabetes before it progresses. Whether you have Type 1, Type 2, or are at risk, we can provide you with a personalized plan to manage your blood sugar and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Lifestyle factors

An overabundance of processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sodium in your diet can lead to weight gain and chronic inflammation — especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. This places extra stress on your heart and contributes to other risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol.

Make heart-healthy changes by eating a balanced diet of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, and aiming for around 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol consumption are also vital to lower your risk of heart disease.

Getting a complete picture of your heart health

A normal blood pressure reading is great news, but there’s so much more to your heart health. By looking at all of your specific risk factors together, our team can provide truly comprehensive, personalized care.

Taking the first step toward a healthier future is simple. Just call or click to schedule a consultation at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, LLC, and we can get you on the right track.