Sevier Heart Center

Welcome to the Sevier Heart Center. Sevierville's premier heart care center. Please call us for an appointment today. Sevier Heart Center is conveniently located just a mile from Fort Sanders Sevier Medical Center on Fox Meadows Blvd. Dr. Liddell is currently accepting new patients and accepts most insurance plans.

The NHLBI recently updated the BP guidlines. Normal blood pressure is now considered to be a Systolic reading of less than 120 and a Diastolic reading of less than 80. A Systolic reading between 120 and 139 and or a Diastolic reading of 80 to 89 is considered borderline. A patient with high blood pressure is indicated by a Systolic reading of 140 or higher and a Diastolic reading of 90 or more. Generally speaking, the lower your BP, the better it is for your health. Dr. Liddell can determine what BP goal is best for you based on other risk factors you may have. Call for an appointment today.

What is blood pressure?
Blood Pressure is the pressure that blood exerts against the inner walls of the blood vessels as it is pumped through the circulatory system. Normally, a healthy person has arteries that are strong, flexible and muscular. When the heart contracts, the force of blood against artery walls increases. This force, or pressure, is called systolic pressure, and it is the number at the top of a blood pressure reading. By the same token, when the heart relaxes it causes the pressure against artery walls to decrease. This second pressure is called diastolic pressure, and is the number at the bottom of a blood pressure reading.

Who can get hypertension?
Anyone can have hypertension, but certain risk factors increase the chances for a person to become hypertensive. These factors include heredity, gender, age, race, obesity, and sensitivity to sodium (salt). Other factors include heavy alcohol consumption, use of oral contraceptives, and sedentary lifestyle.
A 'silent' disease
Fifty percent of patients who have hypertension, or high blood pressure, are not aware of it because they do not have any outward symptoms. Although these patients may not feel their disease, hypertension can damage their bodies in a number of ways. Stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness are some of the risks that result from hypertension.
TAKE ACTION!
Although high blood pressure cannot be cured, it can be controlled with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and in some cases medication. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and be sure to see Dr. Liddell for regular check-ups.