Hypertension
Approximately half of the adults in the United States have high blood pressure. When left untreated, this can lead to life-threatening cardiovascular diseases. The specialists at DMC Medical Group treat hypertension to help you gain control of your high blood pressure so you can live a full life.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is both the amount of blood pumping throughout your body as well as the level of resistance it experiences when flowing through your arteries. When you get your blood pressure taken, the results include two numbers which represent your overall blood pressure.
- Systolic Pressure: The top number indicates the amount of pressure in your arteries during heart beats.
- Diastolic Pressure: The bottom number indicates the pressure in your arteries between heart beats.
Anything less than 120/80 is considered normal. 130/81 or higher is considered hypertension. Hypertension refers to long-term high blood pressure that leads to problems with the heart including coronary artery disease. There are two types of hypertension:
- Primary: In which high blood pressure develops gradually.
- Secondary: In which high blood pressure is a symptom of an underlying condition such as kidney disease. It could also result from certain medications or illegal substances.
Risk Factors of Hypertension
High blood pressure is more common in men, but the risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age for both men and women. If you have family history of high blood pressure, you are more apt to develop it as well. Additional risk factors include:
- Smoking
- Having African Heritage
- Being Overweight
- Not Exercising
- Eating Food with Too Much Salt
- Consuming Too Much Alcohol
- Experiencing Stress & Anxiety
Treatment for Hypertension
We work closely with you to monitor your blood pressure and help you create a plan of treatment. We will begin by recommending lifestyle changes that include:
- Consuming a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet
- Exercising regularly
- Losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol consumption
You may also be prescribed certain medications to help regulate your blood pressure if lifestyle changes are not sufficient. There are many different blood pressure medications available, so it may take time to find the correct option, dose, or combination that works for you.
Contact Our Office
DMC Medical Group takes pride in being at the forefront of cardiovascular medicine. Our goal is to strive for the best possible outcome regarding your diagnosis and treatment. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment.