High blood pressure treatment is essential for guarding against heart disease and supporting someone's overall health and well-being. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other negative consequences if left untreated. Since high blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, a general practitioner must screen regularly to ensure your blood pressure is in a healthy range.
The force with which blood pushes against the artery walls is known as blood pressure. There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading the top number, or the systolic pressure (during the heartbeat), and the bottom number, which indicates the diastolic pressure (the rest between beats). Any blood pressure reading of 130/80 (systolic/diastolic) or more is high. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is typically determined by the average of two or more blood pressure readings taken on separate occasions.
A doctor may order additional tests to attempt to pinpoint the cause of the patient's high blood pressure. In addition, the practitioner will consider the patient's family history and lifestyle. The cause of high blood pressure is not always clear, but in several cases, it results from an underlying health condition such as kidney disease, diabetes, sleep apnea, or hormone problems. If an underlying condition is a primary cause, the first step is addressing that condition with the appropriate treatment.
What if the high blood pressure does not seem to result from an underlying condition? In that case, a general practitioner will examine lifestyle changes and then explore medication.
Implementing lifestyle changes is typically the first step in high blood pressure treatment. A general practitioner will likely suggest the patient take small steps to bring their blood pressure to a healthy level. According to the Mayo Clinic, these steps will likely include:
Stress management can also be an important part of blood pressure control.
A practitioner may recommend medication if lifestyle changes are insufficient to bring blood pressure into check. There are dozens of medications for high blood pressure treatment, and often more than one medication is needed to produce the desired health effects. It may take a doctor a while to match the patient with the right medications.
While trying to control a patient's blood pressure, the doctor may have the patient monitor their blood pressure at home. Home monitors for blood pressure are available in stores and online. One does not need a prescription to obtain one.
If you have not had your blood pressure checked in a while, now might be a good time, especially if you have a family history of blood pressure problems. Untreated high blood pressure can have serious consequences for your health. To learn more about high blood pressure treatment, contact our team today.
Request an appointment here:https://orangecountyhousecalls.com or call Orange County House Calls at (949) 204-1334 for an appointment in our Aliso Viejo office.
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