Hypertension

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is diagnosed when your blood pressure exceeds healthy limits. When you have high blood pressure, the force of blood flowing through your arteries is consistently higher than it should be, causing your heart to work harder. Over time, this increases the risk of cardiovascular complications.

Is there more than one type of hypertension?

Yes. The Restoration Primary Care PLLC, team treats:

Primary hypertension

This type develops gradually over time, often influenced by lifestyle factors like poor diet and not enough exercise.

Secondary hypertension

This is typically caused by an underlying health problem like kidney disease or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It tends to develop more quickly and affect your health more severely than primary hypertension.

If your hypertension requires several medications to manage, you could have resistant hypertension. Other rarer forms of hypertension include isolated systolic hypertension (ISH) and malignant hypertension.

With ISH, your top blood pressure number (systolic) is high, but the bottom number (diastolic) is low, sometimes causing blurred vision, dizziness, and swelling. Malignant hypertension results from a sudden spike in your blood pressure that can cause chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, and headaches. If this occurs, call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room right away.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t present any noticeable symptoms. Restoration Primary Care PLLC, recommends that all adults have their blood pressure checked annually. Early detection makes it easier to manage.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Your Restoration Primary Care PLLC, provider measures your blood pressure.

Your provider uses an inflatable cuff and pressure gauge to diagnose hypertension. A normal reading is typically around 120/80 mm Hg or lower. Readings above this level can indicate elevated blood pressure, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Since blood pressure varies throughout the day, your provider will take several readings to confirm the diagnosis.

How is hypertension treated?

Restoration Primary Care PLLC, takes an integrative approach to treating high blood pressure. Recommended lifestyle changes can include:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Reducing salt intake
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Losing weight
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Managing stress
• Exercising regularly

Most patients benefit from a combination of these changes. Your provider will monitor your progress at regular checkups, adjusting your care plan when needed.

If lifestyle changes alone don’t control your blood pressure, Restoration Primary Care PLLC, will prescribe medication. Several types of medication, including ACE inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, can help manage high blood pressure effectively.

Call Restoration Primary Care PLLC, today to schedule hypertension treatment or book your appointment online.