What is hypertension?
To understand hypertension, it helps to consider what blood pressure is and why it’s important.
Every time your heart beats, it pumps blood into your arteries, veins, and capillaries. This puts pressure on the walls of these vessels, and the measurement of that force is known as blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers. The first number in your blood pressure reading is the systolic pressure — the force that occurs as your heart beats. The second number is the diastolic pressure — the force created in between heartbeats.
A blood pressure reading of 120 over 80 mmHg is considered normal. When your blood pressure is higher than 130 over 80 mmHg, you have hypertension or high blood pressure.
Why is hypertension a cause for concern?
Hypertension raises your risk of many different health problems. Some of the more common issues related to hypertension include:
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Vision loss
- Heart attack
- Kidney disease
- Sexual dysfunction
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 75 million Americans have hypertension. Making matters worse, only around half of those people have their hypertension under control.
What causes hypertension?
Numerous factors can contribute to hypertension. Some of the more common causes include:
- Being age 60 or older
- Being overweight or obese
- Alcohol or tobacco use
- Sex – men experience hypertension at younger ages while women have higher overall rates
- Ethnicity – African Americans and Latin Americans experience higher rates of hypertension
Some diseases can also increase your risk of hypertension. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or cardiovascular disease, you should stay on top of your blood pressure readings with Dr. Osher’s assistance.
How can I manage my hypertension?
Dr. Osher works with you to determine the best treatment path for your specific needs. Your treatment plan is created just for you and will shift over time as your blood pressure changes.
Lifestyle modifications can make a big difference in your hypertension and your overall health. Losing weight is often the best place to start, and Dr. Osher can provide you with a medically supervised weight loss program. Engaging in regular exercise is also essential to controlling your hypertension.
If you smoke or abuse drugs or alcohol, changing those habits can also help get your blood pressure under control. If you live with high levels of stress, counseling, meditation, or behavioral modifications can help.
Medications can also play a role in controlling your blood pressure. There are many different medications to choose from, and Dr. Osher has the skills and experience needed to find the right options for you.
To learn more about how you can take action to improve your hypertension, schedule an appointment with Dr. Osher at your earliest convenience.
