Hypertension

Hypertension Q&A

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What is hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term used to describe high blood pressure. In order to understand high blood pressure, it helps to think about the way your circulatory system moves blood throughout your body.

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Each time your heart beats, it pumps oxygenated blood into your arteries, which places a degree of force against the walls of the arteries called your systolic blood pressure. Your diastolic blood pressure is the force present in the pause between heartbeats.

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If your arteries become narrowed or otherwise damaged, your heart has to work harder to move blood through your system.

 

Keeping an eye on your blood pressure is one of many ways to track our heart health and support long lasting overall health.

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Blood pressure readings below 120/80 are considered normal. Anything above those readings is an indication of high blood pressure, and readings above 130/80 exceed the threshold for hypertension.

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What are the health risks of hypertension?

Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because the first indication many people have that they have high blood pressure is a serious health problem. Living with high blood pressure places enormous strain on your organs and systems.

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Some of the health risks researchers believe are linked to hypertension include:

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Sleep apnea

• Kidney disease

• Cognitive problems

• Sexual dysfunction

• Vision problems

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Tracking your blood pressure is a simple, noninvasive screening that takes just a few moments. There are even blood pressure monitors you can use at home to track your pressure and help you stay on track with a treatment plan.

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What kinds of treatments can help with hypertension? 

Medication might play a role in your personalized blood pressure treatment plan. Some drugs work by helping your kidneys process and eliminate sodium from your body. Others help relax arterial walls to enhance blood flow or lower your heartbeat to take some pressure off your arteries.

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For many people, a combination of medications is the best treatment option. It can take time to find the right drug therapy, but your practitioner works closely with you as you move through the process.

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You can also make healthy choices each day to improve your blood pressure. Begin with incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into your diet, and get more exercise. It doesn’t take an extreme workout plan to see results; even just taking a short walk daily can help.

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At Advance Healthcare Associates, your practitioner creates a blood pressure treatment plan tailored to fit your specific needs and challenges, placing a primary focus on preventing heart disease and stroke, and monitoring your cholesterol. 

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Begin today by scheduling a visit online or over the phone. The practice offers concierge services, allowing you to have easier access to your provider. House calls are available, and practitioners can also travel to senior residential care facilities to deliver treatment.