Blood Pressure Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of your arteries and veins is too strong. Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to long-term, even life-threatening, health issues like stroke and heart attack.

The cause of primary hypertension isn’t known. You might develop increased blood pressure due to genetic factors, excess stress, or because of unhealthy lifestyle choices.

In secondary hypertension, your blood pressure becomes elevated due to an underlying medical condition like:

• Kidney disease
• Thyroid conditions
• Adrenal dysfunction
• Obstructive sleep apnea

Secondary hypertension can also be a side effect of certain medications like over-the-counter cold medicines. Chronic drug or alcohol abuse can also lead to chronic high blood pressure.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

During each visit at PrimeCare Medical Center, the staff checks your blood pressure. Routine checkups are typically the only way to identify blood pressure issues because the condition causes no symptoms until it has already damaged your body.

Using a painless blood pressure cuff, the team can evaluate your blood pressure and track any changes that could indicate an increased risk of hypertension in the future.

What treatments are available for high blood pressure?

If during a screening your blood pressure levels are elevated, Dr. Evivie and Dr. Kwaku can recommend lifestyle changes you need to make to stay in control. These changes can include:

• Reducing stress
• Getting daily exercise
• Adopting a healthy, low-salt diet

If these changes aren’t enough to lower blood pressure or keep it at a healthy level, you might need to take medications. Medications can be used to open vessels to improve blood flow and to help eliminate excess sodium from your body.

When taking blood pressure medications, it’s important that you follow through daily to prevent health complications. During routine health evaluations, Dr. Kwaku and Dr. Evivie ensure medications are working properly and you’re not at risk of developing other health issues like heart disease and stroke.

PrimeCare Medical Center staff also offer helpful tips, such as breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques to reduce daily stress that contributes to high blood pressure.

Find out more about available treatments to help you effectively manage your blood pressure by calling the office or by booking online today.