Hypertension: Symptoms and Treatments

Hypertension: Symptoms and Treatments

Are you concerned that you might be dealing with high blood pressure? Let’s find out.

No matter whether hypertension (high blood pressure) runs in your family or not, anyone can develop this chronic problem. In fact, about 75 million American adults, or 1 in every 3 people, have high blood pressure. Even children can develop high blood pressure. From the office of our Kissimmee, FL, cardiologist Dr. Aamir Javaid, find out what causes hypertension, the warning signs of the condition, and how it’s treated.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Unfortunately, there is a reason hypertension is often called the “silent killer”. This is usually because there are absolutely no warning signs that you might have high blood pressure even though you do. This is why you should get routine medical checkups to make sure your blood pressure is normal. If high blood pressure runs in your family, you may want to monitor your blood pressure on your own.

How can I reduce my risk for developing high blood pressure?

Luckily, this is a problem that can be prevented altogether with the proper lifestyle. If you want to reduce your chances for hypertension here’s what you can do:

  • Maintain a healthy weight (or lose excess weight)
  • Exercise regularly
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet
  • Quit or avoid smoking
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Limit caffeine
  • Reduce stress
  • Limit sodium in your diet

If you have diabetes this can also increase your chances for high blood pressure. In this case, it’s important to manage your diabetes through medications in order to reduce your risk. Simple lifestyle modifications are often all you need to keep your blood pressure within the healthy and normal range.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Depending on your blood pressure levels, our Kissimmee, FL, heart doctor will determine whether certain lifestyle modifications are all that’s needed to reduce your blood pressure. If blood pressure isn’t responding to simple changes in your health and lifestyle then medications may be recommended. The lifestyle modifications for treating blood pressure are the same as the ones above for preventing high blood pressure.

Common medications for treating high blood pressure include:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers
  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers

Once you begin taking medication for high blood pressures, chances are you will take this medication for the rest of your life.

Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care offers locations in Kissimmee, Poinciana, and St. Cloud, FL, to provide you with the comprehensive heart care you need. If you are experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure it’s important to give us a call as soon as possible for an evaluation.