High Blood Pressure

What is high blood pressure?

Your blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure (hypertension) describes pressure levels that are consistently high, which forces your heart to work harder to supply blood to your body.

Unmanaged blood pressure levels can lead to heart disease, blood vessel damage, heart attack, and stroke.

There are two types of high blood pressure:

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops gradually over many years when plaque narrows the arteries, and blood cannot flow through efficiently.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension results from underlying medical issues like kidney disease and thyroid disorders. You can also develop secondary hypertension if you use birth control pills, cold medicines, or illegal drugs.

Clinica Medica Hispana offers comprehensive care for high blood pressure, including diagnostic screenings and ongoing management services.

How do I know if I have high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is known as a silent killer because you can have it for years without knowing it. Symptoms tend to develop only when high blood pressure damages your arteries or heart.

That is why routine blood pressure screenings are an essential part of your preventive health care plan. The only way to confirm you have high blood pressure is with a blood pressure screening.

The Clinica Medica Hispana team offers blood pressure screenings during your annual physical and at each visit. They may also recommend that you invest in a blood pressure device and monitor your blood pressure levels at home.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Your treatment plan for high blood pressure depends on the severity of your condition. In the early stages of high blood pressure, the Clinical Medica Hispana team may recommend lifestyle changes that lower your blood pressure naturally. These changes can include:

• Losing weight
• Exercising daily
• Eating a low-salt, low-fat diet
• Reducing stress
• Quitting smoking

If your blood pressure levels remain elevated, the team can prescribe medications that relax your blood vessels so blood can flow more efficiently.

You can expect to schedule regular follow-up visits so the team can monitor your blood pressure over time to lower your risk for heart attack and other complications. 

Call the Clinica Medica Hispana office nearest you to schedule a consultation for high blood pressure or book an appointment online today.