FAQS about Hypertension

FAQS about Hypertension

Dealing with high blood pressure? Learn more about this condition and what it means for your health.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with high blood pressure? Do you want to know the best way to protect yourself from developing hypertension doctorshypertension? No matter why you are here, it’s great that you are taking the initiative to lead a healthier life. From the Kissimmee, FL, office of our cardiologist, Dr. Aamir Javaid, read on to learn all about hypertension!

 

What is a normal blood pressure reading?

A normal blood pressure is less than 120 (the systolic, or the top number) and over 80 (the diastolic, or the bottom number), which reads as 120/80.

 

When is blood pressure considered high?

There are different stages of hypertension,

  • Elevated blood pressure is a systolic reading between 120-129 and a diastolic reading of less than 80.
  • Hypertension stage 1 is a systolic reading between 130-139 and a diastolic reading between 80-89.
  • Hypertension stage 2 is a systolic reading of 140 or higher and a diastolic reading of 90 or higher.
  • Hypertensive crisis (this is a medical emergency) means a systolic reading over 180 and a diastolic reading that is higher than 120.

While an elevated blood pressure reading may not seem critical, it’s important to not take this reading lightly. In fact, many people with elevated blood pressure are likely to develop hypertension if they do nothing to improve their current health and lifestyle.

The sooner you are able to detect a higher than normal blood pressure, the sooner you can take control of the situation; fortunately, elevated blood pressure can often be controlled with simple lifestyle changes.

 

Are there risk factors for high blood pressure?

Certain risk factors including,

  • A family history of hypertension
  • Diets high in salt
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Taking birth control pills

 

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Unfortunately, many people with hypertension don’t even know they have it! This is because it often produces no symptoms unless the blood pressure is extremely high and requires immediate medical attention.

Seeing your doctor for an annual checkup will allow them to monitor your blood pressure and detect hypertension. If you have a family history of high blood pressure or other risk factors, it may be a good idea to visit our Kissimmee, FL, heart doctor regularly to check your blood pressure.

 

How is hypertension treated?

There are a variety of lifestyle changes that can improve your blood pressure including,

  • Quitting smoking
  • Limiting or quitting alcohol
  • Exercising regularly
  • Eating a healthy diet that is low in sodium
  • Reducing stress

Medication may also be prescribed to help get your blood pressure under control in instances where lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough. Medication along with a healthy lifestyle can improve your blood pressure and your health.

 

Give us a call!

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? Call the Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care in Kissimmee and Poinciana, FL, today at (407) 572-8900 to schedule your consultation!