What is high blood pressure?
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). It develops when your arteries become narrower over time and your blood can no longer flow through them without resistance.
The team at InCare measures your blood pressure at every primary care appointment. This is important because high blood pressure normally doesn’t cause any symptoms. If you don’t visit your physician regularly or get blood pressure readings elsewhere, you can go for years without being aware of your condition.
What causes high blood pressure?
There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. They differ in what causes them. After investigating your medical history and performing a physical exam, the InCare team determines which one you have:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that isn’t caused by another condition affecting your health. Multiple factors can contribute, including your genetics, physical changes from aging, an unhealthy diet, or weight gain.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension can be directly linked to another health condition that you have. Conditions that cause high blood pressure include kidney disease, alcoholism, and obstructive sleep apnea. You can also get secondary hypertension from certain medications.
What are the long-term effects of high blood pressure?
If you don’t manage your high blood pressure with lifestyle changes or medications prescribed by your physician, the long-term effects can include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Heart failure
- Metabolic syndrome
- Dementia
These conditions occur because of increasing damage to your blood vessels, and consequently your organs, over time.
How can I lower my blood pressure?
Our physicians at InCare offer an integrated approach to treating conditions like high blood pressure. Since not everyone requires the same care, we provide personalized management plans for chronic conditions like hypertension.
With video appointments and concierge packages, you can access your physician regularly to discuss or alter your treatment.
To help control your blood pressure, the team at InCare might suggest:
- More exercise
- A healthier diet plan
- Weight loss
- Healthy stress management strategies
- Limiting salt in your diet
- Limiting alcohol consumption
- Smoking cessation
- Prescription medications
If you have secondary hypertension, addressing the underlying cause is an essential part of your treatment. The InCare team may also encourage you to monitor your blood pressure at home regularly with a home monitoring system.
For additional educational information about high blood pressure and a custom management plan, call InCare or book your consultation online today.
