Take Control of Your Blood Pressure
Did you know that nearly 75 million Americans, or one out of every three adults, have been diagnosed with high blood pressure? Touted as the “silent killer,” the potentially serious condition can present with few to no symptoms and can lead to serious health complications.
Hypertension: An Overview
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. When you have your blood pressure taken, there are two readings. Systolic blood pressure is the reading when your heart is beating, while diastolic blood pressure is the reading between heart pumps. Hypertension is a systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg or more or diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or more. At these levels, you will require medical therapy and lifestyle changes.
If you have systolic blood pressure in the 120 to 139 mm Hg range and/or diastolic blood pressure in the 80 to 89 mm Hg range, that is considered pre-hypertensive. Lifestyle changes are essential at this stage to take control of the condition.
What Are the Risk Factors for Hypertension?
Risk factors for hypertension include having a family history, the natural aging process, too much sodium or too little potassium in the diet, tobacco use, excessive alcohol intake, physical inactivity, and obesity. Stress and chronic health conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea, can also increase the risk of hypertension.
What Are the Signs of Hypertension?
One of the most problematic aspects of hypertension is that nearly one-third of patients suffering from it don’t know they have it. That’s because high blood pressure doesn’t show any symptoms unless it is very severe. The best way to avoid any complications is to keep up with your regular physical exams and monitor your blood pressure at home.
Symptoms of excessively high blood pressure include severe headaches, changes in vision, fatigue, nosebleeds, chest pain, difficulty breathing, blood in the urine, and a pounding sensation in the chest, neck, or ears. If you ever experience any of these symptoms, contact Texas Advanced Renal Health for evaluation and treatment.
Taking Control of Your Blood Pressure
Make sure you consult with your trusted team at Texas Advanced Renal Health. We may recommend lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and losing those extra pounds. Make sure to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that’s low in sodium and limit your consumption of alcohol. Try to reduce your stress and do yourself a favor and quit smoking to control your blood pressure and lower your risk of a host of health conditions.
Our team may prescribe diuretics, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers as needed. We will monitor your condition to prevent the devastating complications of hypertension.
Hypertension Treatment in McKinney, TX
Reach out to your trusted team at Texas Advanced Renal Health for more information about the prevention, management, and treatment of hypertension. Our team is committed to ensuring our valued patients get the needed care to minimize the risk of complications down the road. Call 972-548-4833 to schedule your appointment today!