High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Welcome to Dallas Primary Care’s resource on high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This page aims to provide valuable information about hypertension, its causes, risks, and management strategies, as well as how our healthcare team can support you in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common situation in which the push of the blood against your artery walls over time causes problems like heart attack and stroke. Blood stress is determined using the amount of blood your coronary heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more significant blood your coronary heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.
There are two types of hypertension:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops gradually over time for no identifiable reason. You may be at higher risk for developing primary hypertension as you get older.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure resulting from another underlying health issue, such as a thyroid disorder, kidney problems, or obstructive sleep apnea. You can also develop secondary hypertension if you use illegal drugs or certain medications, like birth control and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Causes and Risk Factors
High blood pressure can be influenced by various factors, including:
- Genetics and family history
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet high in sodium, saturated fats, and processed foods
- Obesity or being overweight
- Stress
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea
Complications of Untreated Hypertension
If left uncontrolled, high blood pressure can lead to serious health complications, including:
- Heart disease, such as heart attack and heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease or failure
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease
- Cognitive decline and dementia
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension is a silent killer because it shows no symptoms until the disease is in its advanced stages. When your blood pressure remains elevated for an extended period, you may experience symptoms like:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
If you have any of these issues, you must schedule an evaluation with Dallas Primary Care. These symptoms can indicate advanced hypertension or another underlying health condition that needs medical attention.
We can quickly diagnose hypertension through a noninvasive, in-office blood pressure test. We offer routine blood pressure checks during annual physicals and at chronic care management visits as a preventive measure to prevent hypertension-related health issues.
What is the treatment?
Following a diagnosis of hypertension, we work closely with you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle that can help decrease blood pressure levels naturally. We also ensure that other health conditions you have, which contribute to your hypertension, are well-controlled.
For some, medication is necessary to relax the blood vessels and help blood flow more efficiently. We use the latest advances in medicine to manage your hypertension by rescribing the ideal regimen for your case. We continue to monitor your use through follow-up visits. We can also suggest options for regularly testing your blood pressure levels at home.
If you need help managing hypertension or a preventive blood pressure check, schedule a consultation with us today by calling the office or requesting an online appointment.
