What is hypertension?
Hypertension is high blood pressure. Prehypertension occurs with blood pressure readings of 120-139/80-89 mm/Hg. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm/Hg is officially hypertension. Hypertension is a dangerous condition that can have serious health consequences, including:
Fortunately, regular appointments with your cardiologist can help you manage hypertension, allowing you to live your life without the fear of your condition worsening.
What are the signs of hypertension?
Hypertension is sometimes called "the silent killer" because it often has no signs or symptoms. Many patients have no idea that they have high blood pressure until they're having a physical exam or are in the hospital.
Often, hypertension doesn't even reveal itself until a patient is in hypertensive crisis, so it's vital that you see your provider for annual physical exams. During an annual physical, your doctor evaluates your blood pressure and can begin early treatment if you have hypertension.
What causes hypertension?
The cause of hypertension isn't always known, but risk factors often include
- Advanced age
- Obesity or excess weight
- Lack of physical activity (sedentary lifestyle)
- Poor dietary habits, especially a diet that's high in saturated fat
- Cigarette smoking
A primary part of your treatment will be addressing the risk factors you can change. The team at Maryland Cardiology Associates can help offer resources for things like weight loss and quitting smoking.
How can you avoid developing hypertension?
You can avoid developing hypertension in many cases, but you may have to make some positive lifestyle changes to do so. Positive changes can include:
- Improved eating habits
- More exercise
- Cessation of smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
In some cases, patients in a prehypertension state may need to take medication to get their blood pressure under control. The most important thing to remember is that hypertension is often completely avoidable if you take the appropriate steps, but it does require a commitment from you. Maryland Cardiology Associates is here to support you each step of the way.
How is hypertension treated?
The treatment for hypertension is often twofold, including both lifestyle changes and medication. Healthy lifestyle changes are sometimes sufficient to reduce blood pressure to healthy levels, but you may also need prescription medicine.
The earlier that hypertension is identified and treated, the better off you'll be. To schedule and hypertension screening, call Maryland Cardiology Associates or book online.
