High blood pressure, or hypertension, dramatically affects aging individuals. Hypertension increases your risks for heart disease, stroke, and many other severe medical conditions. It is very important to keep your blood pressure under control, and it requires regular and ongoing medical care. Healthy lifestyle changes can frequently reverse high blood pressure, but based on your individual situation, including family history, genetics, and many other aspects of your health, an in-detail evaluation is very important. If you are worried about hypertension, call the office or book an appointment online today.

 

Hypertension Q & A

What is high blood pressure?

  Blood pressure measures the force needed for blood to circulate in the body. Blood pressure is closely related to the force and rate of the heartbeat plus the arterial wall's diameter and elasticity.

Normal blood pressure varies based on age, gender, activity levels, and other factors, but it typically falls below 120/80 mmHg. The measurement mmHg refers to millimeters of mercury, the unit used to measure blood pressure.

  High blood pressure, or hypertension, includes pressures where the first number is 140 or above, and the lower number is 100 or above. Measurements between normal and high blood pressures are determined to be prehypertensive, which puts a person at risk of developing hypertension. 

 

What causes high blood pressure?

  In most cases, hypertension depends on age or lifestyle. Those who are inactive, sedentary, obese, overweight, eat a high sodium diet, or smoke are more likely to have high blood pressure.

Having a family history of high blood pressure also increases your likelihood, making it essential to note and discuss all risk factors for high blood pressure. Hypertension can also be a symptom of another medical issue like hyperthyroidism or sleep apnea.

 

What happens if I have high blood pressure?

  High blood pressure typically doesn't cause symptoms until it's too late, and a severe medical event develops. That's why it is important to have your blood pressure measured during every visit to our clinic to reduce the risk of a serious medical emergency. 

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How is high blood pressure treated?

  At our clinic, a treatment plan to lower blood pressure includes healthy lifestyle changes and, if needed,  medication. Losing excess weight, beginning a healthy diet including avoiding foods high in sodium and eating more fiber and leafy green vegetables, quitting smoking, and being more physically active can have many beneficial effects for reducing blood pressure.

We are currently accepting new patients that need treatment for hypertension. If you would like to discuss healthy lifestyle choices or medication, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.