Hypertension is a major cause for heart failure. But is the traditional practice of checking blood pressure on the arm adequate to keep hypertension in check? There is evidence to show that a patient showing low BP may still be prone to a stroke due to high central aortic pressure (CAP). Hence CAP becomes an important indicator, especially in high-risk heart patients like smokers or diabetic persons, says Dr. RR Kasliwal in an interview with Dr. Manish Verma.
“When not kept in check, it can cause damage to vital organs like kidney, brain and heart.” In old times, cutting open a patient was the only way to diagnose a disease. Non-invasive methods like imaging have evolved over time to make diagnosis possible without surgery.
“There is now wide acceptance of non-invasive methods in measuring central aortic pressure as well.” For those looking for a value, ideal would be below 130/80. Amlodipine and ACE inhibitors are some suggested drugs to bring down CAP. In another interesting piece of information, CAP is also a reason behind the tendency to forget names, which is usually attributed to ageing.
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