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About Hypertension
About half of adults in the United States have hypertension (high blood pressure). While this condition doesn’t typically cause symptoms, it can lead to life-threatening medical problems when not treated. At Care Rite, PLLC, in Dyersburg, Halls, Ripley, and Brentwood, Tennessee, the experienced primary care team screens for and treats hypertension to keep you healthy and minimize the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or booking a visit online today. Walk-ins and telehealth options are also available.
Hypertension Q&A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a condition that causes elevated pressure inside blood vessel walls. It causes your heart to work harder than usual to pump blood throughout your body. If high blood pressure isn't treated, it increases the risk of a stroke, heart attack, and other serious or life-threatening problems.
Does hypertension cause any symptoms?
While high blood pressure typically doesn’t cause any symptoms, it’s sometimes associated with shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or headaches.
Chest tightness, chest pain, and shortness of breath may indicate a heart attack, which is a life-threatening problem. Confusion, blurred vision, trouble speaking, and paralysis on one side of the body are signs of a stroke — another medical emergency.
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
High blood pressure risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Smoking or vaping
- Some medications
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Kidney disease
- Diabetes
- Congenital heart defects
- Aging
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Excessive sodium in the diet
- Low dietary potassium
- Too much alcohol
- Pregnancy
Kids, teenagers, and adults can develop high blood pressure. Healthy habits may significantly reduce your risk of developing hypertension.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
The experts at Care Rite, PLLC, diagnose high blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff and machine, or a stethoscope. The cuff measures your numbers to identify any elevations that are a cause for concern.
Your provider also discusses your medical history, diet, exercise, other lifestyle habits, medications, and symptoms. They determine if you’re a candidate for on-site heart function testing, lab work, other diagnostic tests, or treatment.
How is hypertension treated?
Your personalized high blood pressure treatment plan depends on how high your numbers are. You might need dietary changes like reducing sodium, eating more fruits and vegetables, or eating fewer calories. Your provider may also suggest you exercise more, reduce stress, get extra sleep, or complete a medical weight management program.
If lifestyle changes haven’t worked to lower your levels or your blood pressure is severely high, you may need to take blood pressure-lowering medications. The Care Rite, PLLC, experts refer you to another specialist if you have a heart problem requiring a medical procedure.
Schedule a hypertension evaluation at Care Rite, PLLC, by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. Telehealth and walk-ins are also available.