Hypertension

What is hypertension?

Having high blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, means that the pressure of blood that flows through your vessels is greater than it should be. This excessive force damages arterial walls.

Hypertension can even increase your risk of plaque buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which leads to arterial and vessel narrowing and hardening. All of these issues combine to place added stress on your heart muscle, and in time, your risk of heart disease increases.

Your cardiologist wants to see your blood pressure stay at or below 120/80 mm Hg. Once you start having consistent readings above 130/80 mm Hg, your doctor is likely going to recommend some lifestyle changes to bring your blood pressure back down to protect your heart. 

What causes hypertension?

If your blood pressure is high, a number of factors may be to blame. For instance, having a high-sodium diet leads to fluid buildup, which forces your heart to pump harder and increases your blood pressure. Other causes and risk factors of hypertension include:

• Medications, including birth control pills
• Family history of hypertension
• Thyroid disorder
• Kidney disease 
• Sleep apnea
• Obesity 

Men under age 55 have a higher risk of hypertension. However, after age 55, women are more likely to develop this chronic condition. Whether your blood pressure is slightly elevated or seriously high — like 140/90 mm Hg — the cardiologists at Heart & Vascular Institute can help. 

How does a doctor treat hypertension?

Losing weight, exercising more, and quitting smoking are some of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to both lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. 

Your dedicated cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute can also counsel you about dietary changes that are important and how you can decrease your sodium intake through the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH diet). 

In addition to lifestyle changes, your cardiologist may prescribe medications to treat hypertension. A variety of blood pressure-lowering medications can open up your vessels, flush excess fluid buildup, relax blood vessels, and more. 

Your cardiologist at Heart & Vascular Institute counsels you about the different options, so you can make an informed decision about your hypertension treatment. 

Before living another day with hypertension, get started on treatment at Heart & Vascular Institute. Click on the online scheduler to book a hypertension exam or call the office nearest you directly.