What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed when the force of the blood flowing through your blood vessels is regularly too high. Blood pressure is presented as a systolic (upper) number over a diastolic (lower) number. Systolic pressure represents the pressure of your blood against blood vessel walls when the heart beats; diastolic is the pressure of your blood between beats.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure usually doesn’t have any outward symptoms. The condition causes damage to your body over time, however. If you don’t manage high blood pressure and make efforts to control it, you’re at greater risk of:

–        Heart disease

–        Heart attack or heart failure

–        Stroke

–        Vision loss

–        Sexual dysfunction

–        Kidney disease and kidney failure

–        Atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease

Most visits to Paradise Valley Medical Group include a check of your blood pressure. These regular evaluations help catch hypertension before it causes severe complications.

How is hypertension treated?

Lifestyle changes help you manage hypertension. These include losing weight, if you’re overweight or obese. Other ways to help manage and reduce high blood pressure include:

–        Eating a low-salt, healthy diet

–        Moderating your alcohol intake

–        Quitting smoking

–        Being physically active regularly

–        Managing stress

Our Healthcare Provider may prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure. These are not substitutes for a healthier lifestyle but are a complementary treatment. You should also visit the office regularly to have your blood pressure monitored or do so at home. Regular monitoring allows you to catch changes right away and adapt your medication and lifestyle accordingly.

To have your blood pressure evaluated, call Paradise Valley Medical Group or book an appointment online.