What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the long-term force of your blood flowing through your blood vessels is too strong. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure will be.
Your blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the level of resistance to that blood flow in your arteries.
Because it has few noticeable symptoms, high blood pressure may go undetected for years. By the time it’s diagnosed, your risk of stroke and heart disease may have already increased significantly.
Am I at risk for high blood pressure?
Most adults have essential, or primary, hypertension that develops gradually. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by another underlying medical issue or condition, including thyroid problems and sleep apnea.
Certain medications can also cause secondary high blood pressure. Risk factors for high blood pressure include:
- Age: hypertension risk increases as men and women reach their mid-60’s
- Excess weight: more weight requires more blood throughout the body, increasing the risk of high blood pressure
- Family history: the condition tends to run in families
- Heavy drinking: more than one drink a day for women or two for men can impact blood pressure
- High-salt diet: too much sodium causes water retention and increases blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity: inactive people have higher heart rates, increasing the force of blood in your arteries
- Race: high blood pressure is more common in people of African heritage
- Stress: increased stress levels temporarily raise blood pressure
- Tobacco: chemicals in tobacco damage artery walls
How is high blood pressure treated?
Dr. Gelbert checks your blood pressure at every appointment (more frequently if you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease or have high blood pressure). She conducts a physical exam and may order additional tests to check for signs of heart disease.
Treatment for hypertension generally involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medication. An ideal weight, healthy diet, plenty of exercise, and natural stress relief techniques, are all great ways to prevent or manage high blood pressure.
Many different medications effectively control hypertension. Alpha blockers, beta blockers, and alpha-beta blockers are among the most widely-prescribed. Dr. Gelbert monitors you closely to ensure your medication works well and without unwanted side effects.
For a blood pressure screening or to schedule a comprehensive wellness exam with Dr. Gelbert, call or click today.
