The Blood Pressure Number That's Putting You At Risk | Dr. Mary Branch

Heart disease is the number one killer of Black women in America, responsible for one in every four deaths. In this episode, Dr. Mary Branch, board-certified cardiologist, breaks down exactly what's happening in the body when blood pressure rises, why Black women are consistently under-diagnosed and under-treated, and the specific numbers everyone should know to protect their heart. We cover what blood pressure actually is and why 130/80 is the number to watch, how stress, salt, and genetics silently drive numbers up, how to accurately monitor blood pressure at home (and which cuff to buy), what GLP-1 medications are revealing about heart disease risk, the heart-healthy foods that actually make a difference, and the exact questions to ask your cardiologist at your next visit. This is the conversation every Black woman needs to have with her heart before it's forced to have it with her. In This Episode: Why heart disease numbers are getting worse, not better, for Black women The blood pressure numbers you need to know (and the one your doctor may not fully explain) What raises blood pressure without you realizing it How to monitor blood pressure accurately at home The connection between GLP-1s and heart disease risk Heart-healthy foods and small daily habits that compound over time Questions to ask your cardiologist to become an active participant in your care Start Here: Get a home blood pressure cuff (Dr. Branch recommends Omron), check it once a day for a week, and bring the numbers to your next doctor's visit. Connect with Dr. Mary Branch: Instagram: @communitydoctor_ About The Lushness Podcast: Every conversation Black women need to have. The Lushness Podcast sits down with health experts to break down the topics that matter most for Black women's longevity, whole body health, and living well at every stage. #HeartHealth #BloodPressure #BlackWomensHealth #Cardiologist #HeartDiseaseAwareness #BlackWellness #LushnessPodcast #BlackDoctors #HealthEquity #Longevity #HeartDiseasePrevention