Our Services / Hypertension

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It’s also among the most serious health problems in the nation, affecting more than 80 million Americans. 

Each time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. The force of that pumping places pressure on arterial walls, which is a normal part of the circulation process. However, if your arteries become narrowed or weakened, your heart has to work harder to move blood, placing undue pressure on the walls of your arteries. 

Blood pressure is measured both during each heartbeat (systolic) and in the pause between heartbeats (diastolic). Normal blood pressure measures below 120/80. You have high blood pressure once your blood pressure readings exceed 130/80. Readings above 180/120 are considered a medical emergency. 

What are the health risks of hypertension?

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of maintaining healthy blood pressure. Hypertension is linked to an astounding variety of health problems, many of which can be life-threatening. 

Some of the health risks you face if you have uncontrolled blood pressure include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Kidney damage
• Eye health and vision problems
• Dementia
• Cognitive problems
• Sexual dysfunction
• Kidney damage
• Heart failure
• Metabolic syndrome

This is far from a comprehensive list. High blood pressure affects organs and systems throughout your body. Some people only develop one or two complications, while others suffer from numerous debilitating conditions. 

How is high blood pressure treated?

Medication may play a role in treating your high blood pressure, especially if your readings are very high. Drug therapy can relax the muscles in your blood vessels, help your kidneys flush sodium and water from your system, or improve blood flow. 

Making meaningful and sustainable lifestyle changes is also important, whether or not you choose to try drug therapy. Highly processed foods contain enormous volumes of sodium, which can cause your blood pressure to rise. Eating whole foods that you prepare at home can do wonders for reducing blood pressure. 

Getting more exercise is also important. Your practitioner can help you find ways to stay active without placing your body under undue strain. It’s also important to manage stress and improve your sleep quality. 

If you’re ready to learn more about your blood pressure levels and how to move closer to healthy readings, call Old Greenbelt Family Health today. Online booking is also available, and it’s fast and easy to complete.