What is High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?
High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This pressure can damage the blood vessels and organs over time, leading to serious health complications.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is recorded with two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The first (higher) number, indicating the pressure when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure: The second (lower) number, indicating the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Normal blood pressure is generally considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. High blood pressure is diagnosed when:
- Systolic pressure is consistently 130 mmHg or higher, or
- Diastolic pressure is consistently 80 mmHg or higher.
Why is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
If high blood pressure goes untreated, it can lead to severe health problems, such as:
- Heart disease: Hypertension can cause the heart to work harder, leading to heart failure, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular issues.
- Stroke: Elevated blood pressure increases the risk of a blood clot or rupture in the brain.
- Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease or failure.
- Vision loss: Damage to blood vessels in the eyes can result in vision problems or blindness.
- Aneurysms: Weakened blood vessels can form bulging areas called aneurysms, which can be life-threatening if they rupture.
Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, it’s important to have regular blood pressure screenings to detect the condition early and begin treatment.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
Several factors can contribute to the development of hypertension, including:
- Family history: A family history of high blood pressure increases your risk.
- Age: Blood pressure tends to increase with age.
- Diet: A diet high in salt, fats, and low in potassium can increase blood pressure.
- Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to high blood pressure.
- Obesity: Being overweight puts additional strain on the heart and blood vessels.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure.
- Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure.
- Chronic stress: Ongoing stress can contribute to high blood pressure.
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms. However, in some cases, individuals may experience:
- Headaches
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider immediately, as they may indicate severe hypertension or complications.
Diagnostic Services for High Blood Pressure
At Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services to detect high blood pressure and assess its impact on your overall health. These include:
- Blood pressure measurement: Accurate and regular monitoring of your blood pressure levels.
- Blood tests: To assess kidney function, cholesterol levels, and other factors that may contribute to high blood pressure.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): To check for heart abnormalities or damage related to hypertension.
- Urine tests: To check for kidney damage or other complications.
- Ultrasound: In some cases, we may use imaging tests to evaluate your heart and blood vessels.
Treatment for High Blood Pressure
The goal of treating high blood pressure is to lower it to a safe level and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment options at Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic include:
- Lifestyle changes: These include adopting a healthy diet (low in salt and saturated fats), increasing physical activity, managing weight, reducing alcohol intake, and quitting smoking.
- Medications: If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, we may prescribe medications such as:
- Diuretics (water pills) to help your body eliminate excess salt and water.
- ACE inhibitors or Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) to relax blood vessels.
- Beta-blockers to reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
- Calcium channel blockers to relax blood vessels.
- Statins to manage cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risks.
- Regular monitoring: We will closely monitor your blood pressure over time to assess the effectiveness of your treatment plan and make adjustments as needed.
Why Choose Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic for High Blood Pressure Management?
- Expert care: Our experienced doctors specialize in diagnosing and managing high blood pressure and related cardiovascular conditions.
- Comprehensive diagnostic services to assess your heart health and monitor blood pressure levels.
- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific health needs, including lifestyle advice and medication.
- Ongoing support: Regular follow-up visits to ensure that your blood pressure is well- controlled and to reduce the risk of complications.
- Conveniently located in JBR, offering easy access to high-quality healthcare.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you’re concerned about high blood pressure or would like to schedule a blood pressure screening, don’t wait. Early detection and management are essential to preventing serious health issues. Emerald Avenue Medical Clinic is here to provide you with expert care and support in managing your blood pressure and improving your overall health.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward better heart health.