High blood pressure, also known as “hypertension,” occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. Blood pressure under 120⁄80 mmHg is considered normal, while anything over 140⁄90 mmHg is considered high.
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If you are one of the 3 million cases of high blood pressure that is diagnosed each year, there are many ways you can work to lower your blood pressure and get treated at an urgent care facility like Local MD Urgent Care.
Hypertension Symptoms
There are many possible factors that can lead to hypertension, including many unchangeable factors like your family history, age, ethnicity, and gender.
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In addition, there are many lifestyle-based and habit-based causes, such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, not getting enough sleep, and diet decisions. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Confusion
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Headaches
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Fatigue
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Flushing
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Chest Pain
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Shortness of Breath
Effects Of High or Low Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure (hypertension), you are at a higher risk of health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. High blood pressure usually occurs gradually over time, often because of unhealthy habits such as poor food choices, low physical activity, poor sleep, smoking, and frequent alcohol use. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be caused by a wide range of medical disorders, or when the diastolic number (lower number) is constantly greater than 90. It is important to find and treat the cause.
Diagnosing Hypertension
One of our trained medical professionals can check your blood pressure using a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff), a device with a rubber armband and cuff that inflates by hand or machine pump. The device measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) and when your heart rests (diastolic pressure).
Hypertension Treatment
There are many blood pressure medicines available. Your healthcare provider can prescribe one that will work for you. There are many classes of blood pressure medications; while the first medication you try may cause unwanted side effects or may not be effective, there are others that may work better for you. Your healthcare provider will listen to your feedback and will work with you to find the best medication. Clearly, adopting a healthier lifestyle is also very important to high blood pressure management. Some of these lifestyle changes are harder than others, but they all will make a positive difference:
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Stop Smoking, Limit Alcohol Intake
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Adjust Your Diet
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Start Your Weight Loss Journey
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Exercise Frequently