Hypertension Specialist
According to estimates, 75 million Americans suffer from hypertension. Visit the highly skilled medical staff at Macomb Medical Clinic in Sterling Heights, Michigan, if you have concerns about your blood pressure or heart health.
The knowledgeable and helpful professionals assist you in managing and regulating your blood pressure and enhancing your overall wellbeing, from testing to treatments and solutions.
Hypertension
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Arteries are the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is expressed using two numbers, the systolic pressure (the top number) and the diastolic pressure (the bottom number). A blood pressure reading of 120/80 mm Hg or lower is considered normal.
When your blood pressure is consistently higher than 130/80 mm Hg, you are considered to have hypertension. High blood pressure can damage your arteries and increase your risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision loss.
Hypertension can be classified into two types: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is the most common type and is typically caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, lifestyle choices (such as diet and exercise), and environmental factors. Secondary hypertension, on the other hand, is caused by an underlying medical condition such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders.
Hypertension often has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the "silent killer." The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get it checked regularly by a healthcare professional.
Hypertension can be managed with lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.
Symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is often called the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms.
However, some people with hypertension may experience:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
It's important to note that these symptoms can also be indicative of other health conditions, so it's important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause.
Additionally, it's important to regularly monitor blood pressure levels, as hypertension can be present without any symptoms.
What are the causes of Hypertension?
We will explore the various causes of hypertension.
1. Genetics: Family history is an important risk factor for hypertension. If one or both of your parents have high blood pressure, you are more likely to develop the condition as well.
2. Age: As people get older, their risk of developing hypertension increases. This is partly due to the fact that blood vessels become less flexible and more prone to damage with age.
3. Lifestyle factors: A sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and obesity are all contributing factors to the development of hypertension. Excessive salt intake and alcohol consumption can also increase blood pressure.
4. Existing medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, and thyroid problems, can increase the risk of developing hypertension.
5. Medications: Some medications, including birth control pills, cold and flu medications, and steroids, can raise blood pressure.
6. Stress: Chronic stress can cause an increase in blood pressure, and can contribute to the development of hypertension over time.
7. Smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for hypertension, as it damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
It is important to note that hypertension often has no symptoms, so it is important to have regular blood pressure screenings to detect the condition.
If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your healthcare provider may recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet modifications, as well as medication to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications.
Treatments of Hypertension
There are several treatment options available for hypertension. The main goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure to a level that reduces the risk of complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Treatment options include:
1. Lifestyle changes: This includes maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, following a healthy diet that is low in sodium, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking.
2. Medications: There are several classes of medications that are used to treat hypertension, such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, and beta blockers. The choice of medication depends on the patient's individual needs and health status.
3. Combination therapy: Sometimes a combination of two or more medications may be required to effectively lower blood pressure.
4. Monitoring and follow-up: Regular monitoring of blood pressure and follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to ensure that blood pressure is controlled and to adjust treatment as needed.
It is important to note that hypertension is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management and treatment to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. It is also important to work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Hypertension:
Online Appointment Booking: Visit our website at www.macombphysicians.hldemo.tech and click on "Book an Appointment" to schedule online.
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