Although there is treatment available, nearly half of adult Americans suffer from high blood pressure, and many don’t even know they have it. At his self-titled practice in Long Beach, California, primary care physician John Paul Cardin Jr., MD, treats high blood pressure and other chronic disease risk factors to reduce your chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. If your blood pressure is higher than it should be, call Dr. Cardin’s office today or book an appointment online.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your blood vessel walls is too high. When your heart beats, it pumps blood at a certain force, known as systolic blood pressure. Between beats, your blood pressure falls and is measured as your diastolic blood pressure.
Your blood pressure reading is your systolic blood pressure over your diastolic blood pressure. In general, a blood pressure reading of less than 120/80 is ideal and an indicator of good health. You may require immediate medical attention if your blood pressure rises above 180/120.
You might not show any warning signs of high blood pressure, which is why so many Americans don’t know they have it. If you do experience symptoms, you may notice:
These symptoms may only occur if your blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. That’s why regular blood pressure checkups are so important.
During your appointment with Dr. Cardin, his staff checks your blood pressure using an inflatable blood pressure cuff and pressure-measuring gage. If your blood pressure is consistently high, Dr. Cardin diagnoses you with high blood pressure and provides you with the best possible treatment options.
Dr. Cardin recommends specific treatments for high blood pressure depending on how high your levels are and what you’re comfortable with. He may suggest that you:
Dr. Cardin recommends the least invasive option first to lower blood pressure, and avoids medications if possible. However, due to advancing age or genetic factors, lifestyle changes might not be enough to get your blood pressure under control. Dr. Cardin monitors your levels regularly to provide the best possible care.
To stay on top of your health and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, schedule a blood pressure screening and checkup with Dr. Cardin today. You can book an appointment by phone or online.