Dr. Paddy Barrett

FEBRUARY 27, 2024

When you look at the risk of having a heart attack, it is true that the older you are, the greater the odds of having a heart attack 1. While only 1-2% of those having a heart attack are less than 65 years of age, 1-2% of this very large number means a LOT of heart attacks. So far, so good.

Risk Factors 111

Risk Factors Heart Disease Heart Attack Heart attacks 111

Dr. Paddy Barrett

JANUARY 31, 2025

High blood pressure is one of the biggest killers on the planet. Most people do not know when they have high blood pressure. Managing blood pressure is about getting good data. Most people, if they are lucky, have their blood pressure measured in their doctors’ office once a year.

Blood Pressure 78

Blood Pressure Heart Attack Heart attacks Cholesterol 78

Dr. Paddy Barrett

NOVEMBER 29, 2024

“What should my blood pressure be?” The answer is pretty simple, but most people get this wrong, and doing so increases their future risk of heart attack and strokes. The problem is that high blood pressure is not some obscure risk that only impacts a small percentage of the population.

Blood Pressure 92

Blood Pressure ACE Inhibitor Hypertension Cardiovascular Disease 92

Dr. Paddy Barrett

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

This is about estimating your near-term risk of a heart attack. In this scenario, your risk of a heart attack over the next 10 years is well under 2%. In this case, going on a statin or any other LDL cholesterol-lowering medication will reduce your risk of a heart attack by about 25%. Not zero risk.

Cholesterol 130

Cholesterol Plaque Heart Attack Heart attacks 130

Dr. Paddy Barrett

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Blood Pressure High blood pressure is the risk factor responsible for the greatest number of deaths worldwide 2. For every 20mmHg increase in systolic (Top Number) blood pressure, the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke doubles 3. Blood pressure is easy to check.

Coronary Artery Disease 102

Coronary Artery Disease Blood Pressure Cholesterol Heart Disease 102

Dr. Paddy Barrett

JULY 5, 2024

We do a terrible job of identifying and managing high blood pressure. And we still do an awful job of identifying and managing high blood pressure. As a risk factor for death, high blood pressure is responsible for more deaths than any other risk factor, including smoking. What Is Normal Blood Pressure?

Blood Pressure 105

Blood Pressure Heart Attack Heart attacks Risk Factors 105

Dr. Paddy Barrett

JANUARY 2, 2024

“What should my blood pressure be?” The US President, Franklin D Roosevelt, had his blood pressure tracked throughout his term in office, and the numbers are pretty stark. Shortly before he died, his blood pressure was measured at 350/195 mmHg 1. The answer is: It depends.

Blood Pressure 98

Blood Pressure Hypertension Heart Attack Heart attacks 98