Treatment for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition that can have serious consequences for your health. It’s also a condition that you can do a lot to control. Your Primary Care Physician Palmetto Internal Medicine & Primary Care can help. Our Primary Care Physician treats people of all ages, including adults and seniors, who may be affected by high blood pressure.
What is High Blood Pressure?
When your doctor checks your blood pressure, it measures the blood flowing through your arteries. If a blockage impairs the flow of blood, blood pressure will rise. A normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is about 120/80. If your blood pressure is higher, you have hypertension or high blood pressure.
Causes of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be due to genetic causes. Most often, high blood pressure is due to a buildup of fatty plaques on the walls of your arteries. The plaque buildup causes arteries to narrow. Flowing blood meets resistance from the narrowed arteries, and blood pressure rises.
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer” because you may experience little to no symptoms. You may have high blood pressure if you experience:
- Dizziness and headaches
- Facial flushing
- Blood spots in your eyes
- Mild chest discomfort
Prevention of High Blood Pressure
Dietary and lifestyle modifications can help reduce your risk of developing hypertension. You need to:
- Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes on most days of the week
- Limit your intake of salt and caffeine
- Eat lean meats like fish and poultry, and avoid red meat
- Eat natural foods when you can and avoid fried, greasy, or fast food
- Eat complex carbohydrates like grains and vegetables, instead of simple carbohydrates like sugars
- Eat low-fat or nonfat dairy products, instead of full-fat dairy products
- Practice stress management techniques
- Check your blood pressure regularly
If you need experienced, skilled, compassionate family medicine doctors, please call Crenshaw Family Medical Group in Gardena, CA today at (310) 327-8746.
We are a multi-specialty practice caring for the needs of our children, adolescents, adults, and seniors in Gardena, CA. We will handle your medical needs, illnesses, and health concerns.