Hypertension is a common condition that occurs when the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too strong. Eventually, hypertension could lead to serious health complications such as heart attack and stroke. At De Castro & Basit, MDs, Dr. Jacqueline G. De Castro and Dr. Jasper F. Basit offer diagnosis and treatment to patients concerned about hypertension in Hanford, California. Don’t let high blood pressure put you at risk. Request an appointment online or call the office today.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that occurs when the pressure from blood flow within the arteries becomes too high. Over time, this pressure can lead to complications.
A normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or lower. When your blood pressure rises above this level, it’s considered high. However, some people may not be diagnosed with hypertension until blood pressure rises above 140/90 mm Hg.
For most, high blood pressure has no clear cause. In these cases, the condition develops slowly as you age. However, you may have high blood pressure because of another condition, such as a thyroid problem or a kidney problem. In cases where high blood pressure is related to another condition, treating the underlying condition may resolve hypertension.
Most people with high blood pressure won’t have any symptoms aside from higher readings when blood pressure is measured. However, if you have extremely high blood pressure, you may experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath.
If left untreated, hypertension can eventually lead to serious complications. Examples of potential complications include:
Dr. De Castro and Dr. Basit usually diagnose hypertension based on your blood pressure readings at several appointments. They may also recommend at-home blood pressure monitoring for a specific period. If your level is consistently too high, Dr. De Castro or Dr. Basit confirms hypertension and recommends treatment options.
Some people with high blood pressure may be able to lower blood pressure levels through lifestyle changes alone. Examples of lifestyle changes that may improve blood pressure levels include:
In cases where high blood pressure doesn’t respond to lifestyle changes, you may need medication to keep blood pressure at a safe level. Examples of medications prescribed to those with high blood pressure include beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and renin inhibitors.
Because hypertension often goes unnoticed until symptoms develop, it’s important to visit De Castro & Basit, MDs, for testing. Call the office or book an appointment online.