High Blood Pressure...heart or artery?!


Question: ok, if you have high blood pressure, it is bc the arteries are narrow and it's harder for the blood to flow through them, and the pressure inside them increases...high blood pressure...so my question is...it's not really your heart that is causing the issue right? it's the arteries?


Answers: ok, if you have high blood pressure, it is bc the arteries are narrow and it's harder for the blood to flow through them, and the pressure inside them increases...high blood pressure...so my question is...it's not really your heart that is causing the issue right? it's the arteries?

The heart has both electrical and mechanical properties. That means that an electrical signal is sent from the top of your heart (the SA node or "pacemaker") to the AV node and then down into the ventricles. A Bundle branch block means that the signal is disrupted as it moves through the ventricles. This, however, should not affect how your heart "pumps." This is, of course, supposing that the Bundle Branch Block was not created because of a heart attack or other structural problem.

The mechanical part of your heart is simply a pump. Blood pressure absolutely can be affected by the heart, however, can also be affected by many other things.

Blood pressure is a complex mechanism that involves the heart, the arteries, the kidneys and even chemicals released in other parts of the body. Anxiety, pain, dehydration, can also be factors of elevated blood pressure.

In short, one higher blood pressure really doesn't tell you anything (unless it is dangerously high). It is much more accurate to check your blood pressure over time. Many grocery stores, even firestations will check it for you if you are concerned. A pattern of high blood pressure is more of a concern than a single high number.

Blood pressure is related both to the way your heart works AND the way your blood vessels work. The scientific equation is: blood pressure = cardiac output x total peripheral resistance. Cardiac output is how much blood the heart puts out, and is based on the volume of blood the heart pumps with each pump times the number of beats per minute. Total peripheral resistance is based on how your blood vessels work - not necessarily "narrow arteries". This is a combination of structure (narrow arterioles, number of arterioles) and function (arterioles with increased muscle tone leading to smaller arteriole). But yes, the heart definitely can contribute to blood pressure. It's less common, but possible. Check with your doctor.

a left bundle branch block is an electrical conduction problem with the heart, not a pumping pressure problem....

This Patient Guide is written for the loved ones of heart patients who are dealing with the short-term stress that comes with a test, procedure or recent diagnosis of heart disease. It explains why support is so important to a loved one with heart disease. It also offers practical strategies on how to support a loved one while also taking care of yourself.





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