Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a common condition that often has no signs or symptoms. When you have high blood pressure, the intensity of the blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is too high. If it goes unchecked, the condition can damage your cardiovascular system.
Your blood pressure reading gives your doctor important information about the health of your heart. That’s why you need to keep your regular appointment checkups with your cardiologist or primary care physician. Prevent problems with your heart through early detection; it’s the surest way to avoid hypertension and all its complications.
Keep your blood pressure under control with the aid of our medical professionals. This multi-specialty practice has access to the latest treatment options and specialists available, including cardiologists and vein doctors.
Two numbers are used to measure blood pressure. These two numbers represent the pressure in your arteries, first when you heart beats and then when it rests between beats. The top number is called systolic blood pressure and the second number is known as diastolic blood pressure.
The average healthy blood pressure is under 120/80. Everyone’s blood pressure spikes every now and then, such as when you exercise. But your blood pressure is considered high if your systolic pressure is 130 or higher, while your diastolic pressure is 80 or higher and stays elevated over time.
For optimum health and longevity, be proactive about your health. Your doctor offers a wealth of information about how to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Some tips include:
Making healthy lifestyle choices helps you prevent high blood pressure. Doing the right things makes it less likely that when you do occasionally experience elevated blood pressure levels, it doesn’t damage your health.
It’s possible to have high blood pressure for a long time without knowing it, which is why it’s commonly referred to as the silent killer. In fact, most people who have this condition don’t experience any symptoms. The most common symptoms include regularly get nosebleeds, headaches or shortness of breath. Other symptoms include:
These symptoms don’t always mean you have elevated blood pressure. The only way to accurately record your blood pressure is by having it checked by your cardiologist or primary care doctor. Your doctor takes your blood pressure over several visits to get a normal reading for you. You may also be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home.
There are two kinds of hypertension. Primary hypertension doesn’t have a single identifiable cause because it usually develops gradually over time. It typically corresponds to your lifestyle choices. Secondary hypertension develops suddenly and is caused by an underlying condition or medication such as: