Heart Health
Sound Medical Weight Loss
Weight Loss Physicians located in the Seattle area in Kirkland, WA
Heart disease is a serious health concern in the United States and is the leading cause of death for both men and women. Sound Medical Weight Loss in Kirkland, Washington, serving the Eastside of Seattle, offers a holistic and comprehensive program to help improve your heart health. Call the office or book an appointment online for more information.
Heart Health Q&A
What are heart health problems?
Any disease that affects your heart is a heart health problem. These include:
- Atrial fibrillation
- High blood pressure and high cholesterol
- Arrhythmia
- Congenital heart defect
- Coronary artery disease
What is atrial fibrillation?
Atrial fibrillation is an irregular and rapid heartbeat. If you have atrial fibrillation, you’re at an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Having a congenital heart defect, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure increases your risk of developing atrial fibrillation.
What is high cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. Your body makes its own cholesterol. However, certain foods cause your body to produce more than you need. Too much cholesterol in your blood may cause inflammation and lead to the formation of plaque in the walls of your arteries, causing them to narrow and increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
For good health, it’s recommended that you keep your numbers at:
- Total cholesterol: 200 mg/dL or less
- LDL cholesterol: less than 100 mg/dL
- HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or greater
When you get a blood test for cholesterol, we will review your numbers with you and develop a plan to address your specific needs.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is when the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough to cause damage. This increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Your blood pressure measures your heart when it’s beating (the systolic pressure, or top number) and between beats (the diastolic pressure, or bottom number). Blood pressure measurements are:
- Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80 mm Hg
- Elevated blood pressure: 120-129/below 80 mm Hg
- Hypertension: greater than 130/80 mm Hg
