Thursday Feb 20, 2025

Show Your Heart Some Love: Focus on Hypertension

Blood pressure readings can be misleading—are you really hypertensive, or is it just a case of white coat syndrome? Dr. Regina Druz sits down with Dr. Ellie Campbell, a primary care functional medicine doctor, to unpack the complexities of blood pressure, its role in cardiovascular risk, and why a single reading in a doctor’s office might not tell the whole story.

Dr. Campbell shares how a patient’s unexpected stroke reshaped her understanding of blood pressure management, leading her to investigate overlooked factors like inflammation and metabolic health. The conversation also covers why home blood pressure monitoring often provides a clearer picture than in-office readings, and how standard measurement mistakes can lead to unnecessary prescriptions.

For those questioning whether their numbers reflect reality, this episode offers a guide to tracking blood pressure correctly, recognizing the impact of lifestyle choices, and taking control of heart health before problems arise.

Episode Breakdown:

00:00 Introduction

01:03 The Importance of Cardiovascular Health

02:14 Dr. Ellie Kimball's Book on Hypertension

04:14 The Story of Dee and the Impact of Hypertension

08:45 The Connection Between Dental Health and Cardiovascular Events

10:55 The Silent Killer: Hypertension

14:07 Prevalence of Elevated Blood Pressure

17:45 Theories Behind Rising Hypertension Rates

19:40 The Role of Chronic Stress and Cortisol

24:50 Proper Blood Pressure Measurement Techniques

30:00 The Importance of Accurate Blood Pressure Readings