Know Your Metrics: MONITORING BLOOD PRESSURE

Monitoring and understanding your blood pressure numbers is one of the best ways to prevent health problems. High blood pressure (hypertension) can a ect your kidneys and increase your risk for stroke and heart disease.

The five blood pressure (bp) categories recognized by the American Heart Association are: normal, elevated, hypertension stage 1, hypertension stage 2, and hypertensive crisis.

Source: American Heart Association

When monitoring your BP at home, it is preferable to use an arm cu instead of one that goes on the wrist. Check your blood pressure twice a day at the same time.

If you are getting elevated bp readings, listen to your doctor’s advice which may include medication and lifestyle changes such as exercise and a low-fat diet.

Staying on top of your blood pressure numbers will greatly increase your chances of enjoying a long and healthy life.

Our Blood Vessel System

“If you were to stretch out your blood vessel system, it would extend over 60,000 miles.”

- Vaqar Ali, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FABVM

Ziad Alnabki, MD, FACC, FSCAI

Dr. Alnabki graduated from medical school at the University of Damascus in Syria. He went on to complete his residency training at the University of Louisville in Kentucky where he received the “Best Teaching Fellow” award in 2013. During his residency, Dr. Alnabki completed rotations in internal medicine, cardiology, and interventional cardiology. He also participated in various cardiac research studies examining patients with heart failure, heart transplants, and patients who have had a stroke.

Dr. Alnabki believes the heart is the center of your health, which is one of the reasons he decided to become a cardiologist. He says, “There are many aspects of prevention and primary care intertwined in cardiology. When I help prevent heart disease in my patients, I’m also able to help prevent a multitude of other diseases.” Dr. Alnabki practices what he preaches and works out quite often.

Dr. Alnabki joined the FCCI team because he is passionate about improving health outcomes in the Palatka community: “Building strong relationships with my patients and integrating fully into the community is important to me,” he says.

Dr. Alnabki is board certified in echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, and general cardiology. He serves as Cardiology Chair at HCA Florida Putnam Hospital. Dr. Alnabki is also a member of several professional organizations including the American Medical Association, Syrian American Medical Association, and Syrian Medical Association.

Outside of the o ce Dr. Alnabki enjoys traveling, and spending time with his wife and three children.