What is Hypertension?
Your blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels. When you have hypertension, your blood pressure levels are too high, which can increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
You can have hypertension (high blood pressure) for years without even knowing it. To lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other complications that hypertension can cause, HealthWell Family Health offers routine blood pressure checks. Nina Aronov, FNP-BC, and the team also offer comprehensive hypertension management services to keep your blood pressure levels well controlled in the long term. Call the office in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens, New York, to schedule a hypertension consultation or book an appointment online today.
Other risk factors for secondary hypertension can include: Obesity, pregnancy, congenital heart defects, obstructive sleep apnea, and use of certain medications or illegal drugs. You might also experience hypertension due to excess stress, a high-salt diet, and a lack of exercise.
There are two types of hypertension:
Primary Hypertension
Primary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops gradually over time for no identifiable reason. Age-related changes and a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) in your blood vessels can contribute to this type of hypertension.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension develops because of underlying medical issues like kidney disease and thyroid disorder that elevate your blood pressure levels.
When should I seek treatment for hypertension?
Routine blood pressure checks are the only way to know you have hypertension. HealthWell Family Health performs blood pressure screenings during routine physicals. You may also need to check your blood pressure more frequently if you have risk factors for the condition. Hypertension doesn’t usually cause symptoms until your blood pressure levels are dangerously high. The medical team recommends that you schedule a blood pressure evaluation immediately if you experience hypertension symptoms like: Dizziness, Headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath. If your blood pressure is high, the team can customize a treatment plan to get your levels under control and lower your risk for potentially life-threatening complications.
How is hypertension treated?
Your treatment plan for hypertension may initially involve changes in your diet and lifestyle. The HealthWell Family Health team can recommend meal plans that feature low-fat, low-salt foods. You should also get at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to regulate your blood pressure levels and maintain a healthy weight. Establish healthy bedtime habits to ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. You may need medications if lifestyle and diet changes aren’t enough to control your blood pressure. The team can prescribe medications that relax your blood vessels and improve circulation. The team continues to monitor your progress with treatment in the long term. You can expect to schedule frequent blood pressure checks in the office and may need to monitor your levels at home. Call HealthWell Family Health to schedule a hypertension evaluation or book an appointment online today.
