What is high blood pressure?
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.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
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:
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Headaches
These symptoms may only occur if your blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels. That’s why regular blood pressure checkups are so important.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
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.
What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
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:
- Take high blood pressure medications
- Eat less sodium and boost fruit and vegetable intake
- Lose weight
- Increase physical activity
- Limit or avoid alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Reduce stress
- Take certain dietary supplements
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.
