What defines high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the blood flowing through your arteries pushes against the walls at a pressure higher than normal. This increased force can cause damage that may make you vulnerable to heart disease, stroke, and other major diseases.
A measurement of 140/90 at three or more visits is considered a clinical case of hypertension.
Who is at risk of developing high blood pressure?
While anyone can develop high blood pressure, certain risk factors make it even more likely. These include:
- An unhealthy diet and lack of exercise
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Smoking or other tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Being overweight or obese
- Medical conditions such as sleep apnea
Age also puts you at a greater risk for high blood pressure, because your blood vessels naturally stiffen and thicken with time.
What complications does high blood pressure cause?
High blood pressure may cause complications or secondary issues. These include:
- Heart attack, heart disease, or stroke
- Aneurysms
- Kidney disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Heart failure
- Eye damage
- High cholesterol
With regular blood pressure screenings offered at Sole Health Medical Center, hypertension can be diagnosed early and properly managed so you’re less likely to develop these serious conditions.
How is high blood pressure managed?
Regular monitoring is just a part of blood pressure maintenance. The doctors offer recommendations and counseling on ways to change your diet and other lifestyle habits to promote better blood pressure health. Changes such as eating less sodium and quitting smoking are key. The team at Sole Health Medical Center can also help you lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.
Medications may also be part of your treatment plan. You’ll come in for blood pressure screenings to ensure the dosage and type of medication is adequately keeping your hypertension under control.
If you have high blood pressure or risk factors for developing it, contact Sole Health Medical Center by phone or book an appointment online.
