What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pumping through your arteries remains high for an extended period. As you age, your arteries narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow comfortably through them. Over time, this resistance increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart disease.
High blood pressure doesn’t always present obvious symptoms, which makes early detection important. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle changes combined with prescription medication and regular check-ups can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.
What are the types of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure falls into two categories:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension occurs gradually over time. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes primary hypertension, but several factors may play a role, including environment, genetics, and physical changes due to the natural aging process.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension occurs due to an underlying health problem. Often, it develops suddenly with little warning. Some of the most common causes of secondary hypertension include kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, and thyroid disease.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure doesn’t always present symptoms early on. Over time, you might experience:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Visual changes
- Chest pain
If you or a loved one develops any of these symptoms and they’re severe, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room right away.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
To diagnose high blood pressure, Dr. Ochaney uses an inflatable cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge. A normal, healthy blood pressure reading is at or below 120/80 mm Hg. Any reading above that indicates high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, Dr. Ochaney might recommend several follow-up appointments for a few days or weeks. To officially diagnose high blood pressure, Dr. Ochaney needs to make sure it’s a sustained problem.
If your blood pressure remains high after a series of tests, Dr. Ochaney develops a custom treatment plan focused on achieving optimal heart health.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Treatment for high blood pressure usually includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. For example, Dr. Ochaney might recommend you eat a balanced, nutritious diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and keep your stress levels in check.
Various medications can help manage high blood pressure, including:
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
The medication that’s right for you depends on your age, health history, and the severity of your blood pressure.
To learn more about treatment for high blood pressure, request a consultation at the practice of Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD, Book an appointment online or call the office today.
