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What is Hypertension?

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when blood flows through your arteries at pressures higher than normal. Blood pressure is typically shown as two numbers, such as 120/80mm Hg.

• Systolic Pressure: Represents the force of the blood when the heart pumps it out.
• Diastolic Pressure: Measured between heartbeats when the heart fills with blood.

Your blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, depending on your activity level. A healthy systolic blood pressure is ≤ 120mm Hg, and diastolic pressure is ≤ 80mm Hg. Consistently elevated readings (e.g., systolic ≥ 130mm Hg or diastolic ≥ 80mm Hg) indicate hypertension.

Risk Factors for Hypertension

Hypertension can develop from various causes, including:

• Family history of the condition
• Atherosclerosis
• Diabetes
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Congenital heart defects

Prolonged or incorrect use of medications, such as:

• Cough and cold medicines
  • Pain relievers
  • Birth control pills
• Thyroid issues
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Kidney disease
• Chronic stress
• Pregnancy
• Excessive alcohol consumption

Symptoms

Most individuals with hypertension experience no symptoms, even when readings reach dangerously high levels. However, indications of severe hypertension may include:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds

These symptoms usually arise only at life-threatening stages of hypertension.

Lifestyle Changes for Managing Hypertension

To help lower or control high blood pressure, consider adopting these lifestyle adjustments:

• Quit smoking
• Reduce stress
• Ensure sufficient, high-quality sleep
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Embrace an active lifestyle
• Follow a whole foods-based healthy diet

Potential Complications

Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health complications, such as:

• Chronic kidney disease
• Heart attacks
• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Vascular dementia

Treatment Options

Hypertension treatment typically includes a combination of:

• Education about the condition
• Appropriate lifestyle changes
• Medications, if necessary

For some individuals, education and adopting a healthier lifestyle are sufficient to manage hypertension effectively.

Seek Professional Advice

For more information on hypertension and how to manage it, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us here at Doctors Clinic!

Call or Message us today: +1 (268) 462-3630 / dr.officelisayphilmore@gmail.com