Hypertension Specialist

What is hypertension?

Blood pressure describes the force of your blood as it pushes against your blood vessel walls. When you have hypertension, this force is greater than it should be. 

Hypertension results due to genetics, narrowed arteries, poor lifestyle habits, or an underlying disease. 

You need management for high blood pressure to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attack, heart disease, and other serious problems. 

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension doesn’t really cause symptoms. This is why getting your blood pressure checked at regular exams is critical. If you do develop symptoms, you may experience:

• Nosebleeds
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath

These symptoms occur when your blood pressure has reached dangerously high levels and are usually indicative of a medical crisis. 

Left untreated, hypertension puts you at extreme risk of heart attack, aneurysm, heart failure, organ damage, stroke, vision loss, and even dementia. 

Am I at risk of developing hypertension?

Anyone can develop hypertension, but these risk factors put you at particular risk:

• Family history of hypertension
• Aging
• Overweight and obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Too much dietary salt
• Too little dietary potassium
• Using tobacco
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Ongoing stress
• African American heritage 
• Pregnancy
• Medical problems

Certain chronic conditions, like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, also increase your chance of having high blood pressure.

How do you help me manage hypertension?

Hypertension can often be resolved with lifestyle changes that improve your activity levels, weight, and diet. The team at Integrative Wellness Center guides you when it comes to making these changes. They can help you quit smoking (if needed) and avoid excessive alcohol intake. Behavioral strategies can reduce stress, like breathing exercises and meditation. 

You’ll come in for regular blood pressure checks, too. If lifestyle interventions are not enough or your blood pressure is dangerously high, your provider prescribes specific blood pressure-lowering medications. The type of medication you receive depends on the severity of your case, your health history, and your current symptoms. 

Let the providers at Integrative Wellness Center help you take control of your hypertension and health. Call the office today or use this website to book an appointment online.