Effective Treatment Options For Hypertension

A preventable, yet very common and potentially dangerous condition, hypertension affects nearly 75 million Americans, or 1 in 3 adults. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only about half of these people have their high blood pressure under control. And if you don’t control your hypertension, it could cost you your life.

As your local partner in health and wellness, our physicians at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany, Mississippi, offer effective treatment options for hypertension. If you’re not sure you have high blood pressure, or you know you do and you need help controlling it, our compassionate team of health care providers creates a customized treatment plan that leads you down a healthier path.

How to know if you’re at risk for hypertension

Hypertension, aka high blood pressure, is the result of prolonged pressure or force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels and arteries. Also known as the “silent killer” because of its lack of symptoms and warning signs, unchecked hypertension can become life-threatening and result in a heart attack or stroke.

You may be at risk of this dangerous condition if any of the following factors apply:

• Over 35 years old
• Overweight or obese
• Inactive lifestyle
• Smoker
• African-American descent
• Pregnant
• Use birth control pills
• Drink excessive amounts of alcohol
• Eat a diet high in fat and sodium
• Family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid problems
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Kidney problems
• High stress levels

If you have diabetes or prediabetes or take certain medications, you‘re also at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Additionally, not having enough potassium in your diet can help you retain sodium in your blood, which increases your risk.

Help! I’m at risk for hypertension. Now what?

Fortunately, hypertension is preventable and treatable. Even if you’re not considered high risk, it’s important to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, such as during a yearly physical.

The first step to regulating your blood pressure is finding out how high it is. At Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic, we measure your blood pressure and discuss your health history and lifestyle with you to determine the best treatment options.

Our physicians may recommend several treatments, including making dramatic lifestyle changes whenever necessary. We’ll also address any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to your elevated blood pressure.

It may be a challenge at first, but we’re here to support you every step of the way. Managing your high blood pressure can save your life in the long run, so it’s definitely worth the effort you need to make now.

Treatments for hypertension

Depending on your individual condition, we may recommend several of the following treatment options:

Lifestyle modifications

First and foremost, you may need to embark on a journey toward becoming healthier overall. Lifestyle modifications may include eating a heart-healthy diet that consists of more fruits and vegetables and less salt and fat. If you smoke, you need to quit. If you’re mostly sedentary, we work with you to help you become more active.

Losing weight and limiting alcohol intake may also be beneficial. And if your life is filled with stress, you need to find ways to reduce it through activities like meditation or exercise. Better yet, if possible, make changes to remove the biggest sources of stress from your life altogether.

Medications to lower blood pressure

When lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, you may also need to take medications. Some blood pressure medications help your body eliminate sodium and others help relax blood vessels so your heart doesn’t have to work so hard.

An individualized treatment plan

Treating hypertension isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. We can work with you to create an effective plan based on your unique set of health and lifestyle circumstances. When it comes to helping you lower your blood pressure, our experienced team at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic provides the medical and emotional support you need to achieve your goals.

It’s our mission to help you live a healthier life, and find the balance for your overall health and wellness -- mind, body, and spirit. If you suspect you have high blood pressure, don’t wait to seek treatment. Call today to schedule an exam or book online now.