At IM&PC, we know that managing hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is critical to your overall well-being, which is why our internal medicine and pediatrics clinic is committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care to address this and other medical conditions.
As hypertension can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease and stroke, it’s essential to manage it through regular check-ups and monitoring to reduce the risk of potential complications. Our team of experts, led by our board-certified physicians, has the knowledge and experience necessary to evaluate individual risk factors, recommend lifestyle changes, and prescribe medication to help manage hypertension and related conditions effectively.
Hypertension is a prevalent medical condition that affects millions of individuals. With its potentially deadly complications, it’s not surprising that many people turn to the internet for information on how to manage and treat hypertension.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by persistent elevated blood pressure in the arteries for an extended period. Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of arteries as it flows through. Hypertension increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and other health problems, making it a potentially life-threatening condition. The most common types of hypertension include primary hypertension, secondary hypertension, and white-coat hypertension.
Primary hypertension, also known as essential hypertension, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is consistently elevated. It develops gradually over time and has no identifiable cause, but lifestyle factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of developing primary hypertension.
Secondary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or obstructive sleep apnea. Unlike primary hypertension, secondary hypertension can develop suddenly and requires prompt medical intervention to manage both hypertension and the underlying condition.
White-coat hypertension, also known as isolated clinic hypertension, is a condition in which the blood pressure readings are elevated only in a medical setting, such as a doctor's office or clinic, but are normal in other settings, such as at home. It is believed to be a response to the stress and anxiety of being in a clinical environment and is usually treated with lifestyle modifications, such as stress reduction techniques or home blood pressure monitoring.
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is another type characterized by high blood pressure in the arteries within the lungs. PH restricts blood flow, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the body's organs, which can result in severe health complications. PH can be caused by various factors such as genetic mutations, chronic lung disease, and medication-induced pulmonary hypertension.
Hypertension is a silent killer that can lead to severe health issues, and that's why it is crucial to know how to manage and control it.
The exact cause of hypertension is unknown, but several factors can contribute to its development. Some of these factors include genetics, age, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea. Behavioral factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of hypertension development.
High blood pressure is a silent condition that often doesn't present any symptoms until it causes severe complications. Some signs of hypertension to watch out for include pounding headaches, chest pain, vision problems, shortness of breath, and fatigue. If you have any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and other severe health problems. Hypertension causes damage to the blood vessels and arterioles, leading to plaque build-up, thrombosis, and the narrowing of arteries. These changes can lead to blockages in blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain, leading to heart disease and stroke.
Preventing hypertension is all about making healthy lifestyle choices. By exercising regularly, following a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and reducing stress levels, you can successfully prevent hypertension. Other ways to prevent hypertension include reducing alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, and regularly monitoring your blood pressure. Finally, if you or anyone you know suspect experiencing hypertension, our team at Internal Medicine and Pediatric Clinic is ready to help.
By making these changes, you can lower your risk of hypertension development and improve your overall health.
Keep Your Blood Pressure in Check with Internal Medicine and Pediatric Clinic - Your Trusted Partner for Hypertension Care
In the United States, around one in three adults suffers from hypertension, and most of them are completely unaware of their condition. At Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic in New Albany and Saltillo, our staff of experienced physicians is equipped to offer complete diagnostic testing for hypertension, as well as treatment options to help you return to and maintain your ideal blood pressure.Prevent any health complications caused by hypertension by preventing and treating it with IM&PC today. Call our office or book your appointment online.