ASK THE PHYSICIAN
S. Justin Szawlewicz, M.D.
Attending Cardiologist
Vice Chair, Medical Staff
Deborah Heart and Lung Center
Q: Just a few weeks back, my doctor said that I am “borderline”
for high blood pressure. Is there anything I can do to help lower it?
-Jim W., Manasquan
A: Jim, it’s good to know when you have borderline high blood
pressure (BP); being aware of it means you can take steps now to
lower your BP before it increases and becomes a medical concern.
Particularly in light of new guidelines released by the American
College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association, with
the new “normal BP” being below 120/80, we all need to be aware
of our BP and do what we can to keep it under control.
Steps you can take to lower your BP without medication include:
• Exercising four or more times a week, if your doctor says it
is OK
• Losing weight, if you are overweight
• Eating healthier foods that are low in salt and fat and add
in some foods that are higher in fiber (roughage), such as
vegetables, whole grains and fruits
• Cutting down on caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, energy
drinks)
• Quitting smoking
• Looking at unhealthy stressors in your life and minimizing
or eliminating them
Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep up with healthy life-
style changes!
Ask the Physician
For an appointment with a Deborah specialist or more information
about how Deborah Heart and Lung Center’s leading-edge technolo-
gies can improve your quality of life, call 800-555-1990 or visit www.
demanddeborah.org.
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www.njcopsmagazine.com ■ OCTOBER 2018 91