Hypertension Specialist

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of your blood pumps against your blood vessel walls too forcefully. Over time, high blood pressure starts to damage the blood vessel walls, leading to health complications, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney damage.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension is difficult to treat because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. In severe cases of hypertension, symptoms can develop. Some of the most common signs of high blood pressure include:

• Vision problems
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Blood in your urine

Dizziness, nervousness, and sweating can also be signs that you have high blood pressure.

Are there different types of hypertension?

There are two types of hypertension:

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension tends to affect men more often than women and commonly runs in families, so experts believe it has a genetic link.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is the result of an underlying condition, such as kidney disease or adrenal gland abnormalities. Hormonal birth control pills can also increase your risk of developing secondary hypertension.

What causes hypertension?

While hypertension has no single cause, some of the most common risk factors for high blood pressure include:

• A high-sodium diet
• Excess weight
• Pregnancy
• Stress
• Chronic kidney disease
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Low physical activity
• Older age

Having a family history of high blood pressure may also increase your risk of developing hypertension.

What are the treatments for hypertension?

Managing hypertension is essential to prevent stroke, heart attack, or an aneurysm. In most cases, lifestyle changes can lower your blood pressure to a healthy level. The team considers 120/80 mm Hg or less to be within the normal range for blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is too high, the Carecore Health Center team may recommend a combination of lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication. Common treatments for hypertension include:

• Following a low-sodium, heart-healthy diet
• Losing weight
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting your alcohol consumption
• Taking medication
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing your stress
• Monitoring your blood pressure at home

To learn more about hypertension, call Carecore Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.