Blood pressure refers to the force of blood pushing against the artery walls as it flows through your body. The amount of pressure varies depending on factors like the total volume of blood in your body, the strength of your heart muscles, and the health of your arteries.
Underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes, and kidney disease can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. However, it’s most often caused by health issues directly related to your lifestyle, including:
While your arteries are flexible enough to tolerate minor changes, blood pressure must stay within a specific range to maintain your health. High blood pressure leads to other health problems.
High blood pressure damages artery walls, creating rough spots where cholesterol easily accumulates. Over time, cholesterol builds up and hardens, forming plaque — a condition called atherosclerosis. Plaque can block blood flow or form blood clots that raise your risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
High blood pressure is especially dangerous because it doesn’t cause symptoms. If your blood pressure isn’t checked, you could have hypertension and remain unaware of the problem until you develop symptoms of coronary artery disease.
Before a treatment plan is developed, your Park South doctor performs a thorough examination, including blood work to identify or rule out underlying health conditions. All existing problems must be treated together with therapies to lower your blood pressure, such as:
Treatment for high blood pressure always begins by assessing and changing the risk factors that contribute to the problem. This could mean a plan to lose weight, change your diet, or stop smoking.
Your doctor prescribes antihypertensive medications when your blood pressure doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes or if it’s dangerously high and needs a quick adjustment. A variety of medications are available that work in different ways, so your doctor can choose one that’s best for your health needs.
The doctors at Park South Medical have extensive experience managing high blood pressure and rarely will you need to see a specialist. However, in those rare cases, your Park South doctor will refer you to the very best — call or book an appointment online today.