Hypertension

Many adults aren’t aware they have hypertension, which often doesn’t have overt symptoms that indicate they have high blood pressure. At Rockland Family Medical Care in Monsey, New York, you can receive comprehensive hypertension care, from creating a diet plan and support for a healthy lifestyle to medications, when needed. To learn more, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is hypertension?

• Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure refers to the force of blood as it pushes against blood vessel walls. When blood pressure is too high, it can damage vessel walls, creating rough areas where cholesterol gets stuck. Over time, more cholesterol gets caught in the same spot, which interferes with the flow of blood.
• If you don’t have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis, you could go for years without knowing you have hypertension. This condition increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke and makes your heart pump harder, which may eventually weaken your heart.

What causes hypertension?

• Hypertension often develops due to an underlying health condition that seems unrelated but affects your blood pressure. Some of the top health conditions leading to hypertension include: 
  • Diabetes
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Kidney disease
  • Thyroid disorders 
  • Adrenal gland problems
• Some adults have hypertension because they consume too much salt. Your body holds onto water when you have too much sodium, and this excess fluid raises blood pressure.
• Other lifestyle habits that have a role in hypertension include being overweight, drinking too much alcohol, and using illegal drugs. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter products, like cold medications, may raise your blood pressure as well.

How is hypertension treated?

• For many patients, adjusting their diet and losing weight are enough to get blood pressure back down to normal. The skilled team at Rockland Family Medical Care works with you to develop a dietary plan that includes less salt, more potassium, and more fiber, while also helping you create a weight-loss program you can stick with for the long term.
• Stress reduction also relieves hypertension if you’re living with chronic stress. Exercise, yoga, meditation, and learning ways to avoid or defuse stress can all be key parts of a plan to lower your blood pressure.
• While lifestyle changes are important, if your blood pressure doesn’t begin to drop or if it’s severely high, your doctor may prescribe one of the medications available to treat hypertension.
• Call Rockland Family Medical Care or request an appointment online today if you need to get screened for hypertension.