Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious health problem in America and is often referred to as a “silent killer.” Taking a proactive stance against high blood pressure is important and is an area of specialty for Suchitra Kamineni, MD, Arun Amaram, MD, and the team at North Dallas Primary Care Doctors. If you’re curious about your blood pressure or looking for ways to improve your readings, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or request a consultation online today. 

What is hypertension?

Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries. That pumping force places pressure on the walls of the arteries. The measurement of that pressure is known as your blood pressure. 

Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure that occurs during each heartbeat. Diastolic blood pressure is the pressure placed in the pause between heartbeats. These two readings are the numbers you see when your blood pressure is measured. 

Normal blood pressure readings are lower than 120 systolic and 80 diastolic. Anything above those levels should prompt lifestyle changes. Once you reach levels of 130 systolic and 80 diastolic, you are considered to have hypertension, which is a serious health problem. 

High blood pressure means your heart is working harder than it should to move blood throughout your body. Over time, hypertension can lead to a wide range of negative health consequences. 

What are the health risks associated with hypertension?

High blood pressure takes a serious toll on virtually every organ and system in your body. Some of the health risks associated with high blood pressure include:

• Heart failure
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Vision loss
• Kidney disease
• Sexual dysfunction
• Aneurysm
• Metabolic syndrome
• Cognitive problems
• Dementia

These are just some of the health problems linked to high blood pressure. It is important to take a proactive approach to reducing blood pressure to prevent these and other negative outcomes. 

What causes high blood pressure?

Many different things contribute to high blood pressure. Some of the risk factors that increase your chances of the condition include:

• Age above 65
• Family history of hypertension
• Race, with African Americans at an elevated risk
• Too much sodium in your diet
• Being overweight or obese
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Tobacco use
• Low potassium

High blood pressure can also occur due to numerous medical conditions, including kidney problems, thyroid issues, sleep apnea, and congenital blood vessel conditions. 

How can I reduce my blood pressure?

There are medications that can help bring your blood pressure down, and drug therapy is often important in the early stages of treatment. At North Dallas Primary Care Doctors, your provider strives to help you reduce your blood pressure through lifestyle modifications, which will not only lower your readings but also prevent your blood pressure from rising in the years to come. 

The power of diet and exercise in reducing blood pressure cannot be overstated. Choosing a diet rich in high-quality protein, vegetables, and fruits is essential, as is avoiding highly processed foods and foods high in unhealthy fats. 

You should also find ways to incorporate more physical activity into your daily routines. Even something as simple as daily walks can do wonders for reducing blood pressure. If you are a smoker, find a way to quit the habit for good. 

When you’re ready to take control of your blood pressure and overall health, call North Dallas Primary Care Doctors or request an appointment online today.