What is hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which pressure inside your blood vessel walls is too high. While you might not experience any symptoms with hypertension, not treating it puts you at risk of heart disease, including a heart attack or stroke. That’s why routine high blood pressure screening is important for your health and overall well-being.
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
While anyone can experience hypertension, the following factors increase your risk of developing it:
- Older age
- Family history of hypertension
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Poor dietary habits
- Eating too little potassium
- Too much sodium in your diet
- Stress
- Pregnancy
- Having diabetes, kidney disease, or sleep apnea
Complications that can develop with untreated hypertension include heart failure, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, blood vessel disorders, and memory problems. Seeking treatment for high blood pressure can significantly reduce your risk of these and other health issues.
How is hypertension diagnosed?
To diagnose hypertension, your provider reviews your medical history and asks about symptoms you may have. They measure your blood pressure by placing an inflatable arm cuff around your arm and using a pressure-measuring gauge. Your blood pressure’s value helps your doctor determine which type of treatment is most appropriate.
How is hypertension treated?
Based on your medical history and blood pressure reading, the Complete Care Physicians team might recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Lifestyle changes
There are several ways you can reduce blood pressure naturally with lifestyle changes. Examples include weight loss, eating less sodium and more fruits and vegetables, limiting alcohol, not smoking, and managing stress levels.
Medications
Taking medications can reduce high blood pressure and your risk of serious complications. Because numerous blood pressure-lowering medicines are available, your doctor works with you to develop a regimen that best matches your needs.
Specialist referrals
If you have a heart or blood vessel disorder related to hypertension, your provider might refer you to a specialist in the area to find out if you would benefit from surgery to open blocked or narrowed blood vessels.
Don’t let hypertension go undetected and lead to serious health problems. Book an appointment with the experts at Complete Care Physicians by phone or online to get screened today.
