Understanding High Blood Pressure: Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

When the force with which your blood flows through your blood vessels is consistently high, you may be diagnosed with high blood pressure. At Crenshaw Family Medical Group in Gardena, CA, high blood pressure is a condition we often encounter with our patients. Our team is here to help you take the steps necessary to improve your cardiovascular health.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is diagnosed when the force of your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries with consistent excessive force. Many healthcare providers call high blood pressure the silent killer, due to the fact that many people with the condition do not exhibit any symptoms.

There are two numbers on your blood pressure reading. The top number is your systolic blood pressure. This number measures the pressure on the walls of your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number is your diastolic blood pressure. This measures the pressure on your arteries when your heart is relaxed. You'll need to get your blood pressure checked regularly to understand whether you have high blood pressure.

If your top number is over 130, and/or your bottom number is at least 80, you meet the criteria for a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

There are several risk factors for high blood pressure, including eating a diet high in sodium, living a sedentary lifestyle, and drinking a lot of alcohol. Additional factors that can increase your risk of high blood pressure include recreational drug use, obstructive sleep apnea, kidney disease, tobacco use, and taking certain medications (including birth control pills, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immunosuppressant drugs).

People who are overweight or obese, are over the age of 55, are Black, or who have family members with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure are more likely to experience high blood pressure.

High Blood Pressure Symptoms

Typically, people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms. When blood pressure becomes dangerously high—a condition known as a hypertensive crisis—symptoms can include heart palpitations, headaches, and nosebleeds.

Crenshaw Family Medical Group: Your Home for High Blood Pressure Treatment in Gardena, CA

If you're experiencing high blood pressure, it's important to talk with a medical professional to keep your cardiovascular system healthy. At Crenshaw Family Medical Group, our team is here to help. Whether you know you have high blood pressure or you're in need of a check-up, we've got you covered. Reach out to Crenshaw Family Medical Group today at 310-327-8746 to learn more about our practice and schedule your first appointment.