Hypertension

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a serious health problem that increases your risk of a heart attack and stroke. Hypertension doesn’t always present obvious symptoms, so it’s important to get regular screenings. At Brookhaven Diabetes & Primary Care Clinic, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, Amy Case, FNP, ADM, CDCES, works with men, women, and families to treat high blood pressure. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request one online today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is a chronic condition that occurs when the pressure of blood pumping through the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Left unmanaged, high blood pressure damages your blood vessels. Over time, this increases your risk of a heart attack and/or stroke.

Doctors call hypertension the “silent killer” because it doesn’t present any obvious symptoms. As a result, millions of Americans are living with high blood pressure and don’t even realize it.

The best way to lower your risk of high blood pressure is to monitor your numbers regularly and live a healthy lifestyle. If it’s been more than a year since your last hypertension screening, make an appointment with Brookhaven Diabetes & Primary Care Clinic.

What causes hypertension?

The two types of hypertension are primary (essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension occurs for no apparent reason and develops gradually. Secondary hypertension is a result of an underlying medical condition. You might develop secondary hypertension following a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, kidney disease, or thyroid disease.

Who gets hypertension?

Hypertension affects people of all ages, races, and sexes. However, certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged or older
• Having relatives with high blood pressure
• Being overweight
• Using tobacco products
• Eating a diet that’s rich in sodium
• Chronic use of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen

You’re also more likely to develop hypertension if you’re living with a chronic health problem like diabetes.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

To diagnose hypertension, Amy uses an inflatable arm cuff and a pressure-measuring electronic gauge. For adults, generally any blood pressure reading below 120/80 mm Hg is normal. You have elevated blood pressure if your reading is over that number.

Before making an official diagnosis, Amy takes 2-3 blood pressure readings over several appointments. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, Amy might also ask you to monitor your numbers at home.

How is hypertension treated?

At Brookhaven Diabetes & Primary Care Clinic, Amy uses preventive, holistic treatments to address hypertension. If you have mild or moderate hypertension, she might recommend losing weight, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet. If your blood pressure remains high even after these changes, prescription medications will be necessary. The most commonly used medication classes are thiazide diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (ARBs), and beta blockers.

The best defense against hypertension is early detection. Request an appointment at Brookhaven Diabetes & Primary Care Clinic by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.