High Blood Pressure Management
Despite taking medication, many patients have problems regulating their blood pressure. The physicians of The Heart Medical Group are here to help. Our physicians use advanced medical therapies, and offer counseling on lifestyle modifications and natural pathways, to help patients get their blood pressure to healthy levels. We also help patients who are experiencing side effects from previously prescribed medications to find alternative treatments.
High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing against the artery walls is above the normal range. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps, and the blood-flow resistance in the arteries. If the heart pumps more blood than is normal, and the arteries are narrower than is normal, high blood pressure is the result. Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, kidney failure and stroke.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can develop gradually, over a significant period of time, without any symptoms. Prolonged and untreated high blood pressure can cause headaches, dizzy spells and nosebleeds.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension develops gradually; secondary hypertension results from an underlying medical condition. In most cases of primary hypertension, the cause is unknown. Secondary hypertension is caused by various conditions or medications, including the following:
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid problems
- Congenital defects in blood vessels
- Birth control pills
- Decongestants
- Certain prescription medications
- Obesity
Abusing alcohol or drugs can also cause high blood pressure.
Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure
Risk factors for developing high blood pressure include the following:
- Family history
- Being African-American
- Increased age
- Obesity
- High sodium intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity or exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
Chronic conditions such as kidney problems, hormone problems, diabetes and high cholesterol also increase the risk of high blood pressure.
High Blood Pressure Treatment
High blood pressure is often initially treated with lifestyle changes that include the following:
- Losing weight
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Exercising and staying physically active
- Quitting smoking
Hypertension that does not respond to lifestyle changes alone is often treated with medication that includes alpha blockers, vasodilators, aldosterone antagonists and central-acting agents. Treating underlying conditions also helps to control high blood pressure.
Complications of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a serious condition. Left untreated, it can cause the following:
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack
- Aneurysm
- Stroke
Controlling blood pressure reduces the risk of developing/experiencing these issues.