What is Hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on your artery walls. If that pressure is consistently higher than 130/80 mmHg, it is considered hypertension. Routine blood pressure screening is essential because many people do not have symptoms of high blood pressure. Despite the lack of symptoms, if left untreated, hypertension causes damage to your body. Over time, it increases your risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and strokes.

Concorde Medical Group specializes in the treatment of high blood pressure and other cardiac conditions. Our cardiologists will discuss your blood pressure readings and determine what treatment options will work best for you. To visit our cardiology offices in NYC, please call or request an appointment online.

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What Are the Types of Hypertension?

While high blood pressure is often grouped into one general category, there are actually two main categories:

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension or essential hypertension is when there is no direct cause. This type most commonly occurs in adults and develops over the course of several years.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension occurs when there is an underlying medical condition of the kidneys, blood vessels, heart or hormonal imbalance that causes hypertension. This type may appear suddenly or be more resistant to medical treatment.  Conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and kidney issues can lead to secondary hypertension.

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Because high blood pressure is so common, there are a number of different conditions that may contribute to it. Common conditions include:

• Obesity
• A high sodium (salt) diet
• Alcohol or tobacco abuse
• Older age
• High stress
• A family history of high blood pressure
• Pregnancy
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of heart disease or high blood pressure

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

Many patients with high blood pressure have no symptoms which is why it is important to have your blood pressure measured.  High blood pressure is diagnosed using a blood pressure cuff (sphygmomanometer) wrapped around your arm.  The cuff pressure is inflated to stop the blood flow then slowly deflated to hear the return of flow.  The upper number is called your systolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when the heart beats.  The lower number is your diastolic pressure or the pressure between the heart beats.  Both numbers are important.

The following gives an idea of what your blood pressure levels indicate:

Normal Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120 / Diastolic: 80

Elevated Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120-129 / Diastolic: Below 80

Stage 1 Hypertension
Systolic: 130-139 / Diastolic: 80-89

Stage 2 Hypertension
Systolic: 140 / Diastolic: 90

In addition to a blood pressure test, your doctor may suggest further monitoring, such as home blood pressure monitoring, blood test, urine test, ultrasound of your heart or stress test.

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe you a number of various medications. Some of the most common types may include:

• Diuretics
• Beta Blockers
• Angiotensin-converting and receptor blockers
• Calcium channel blockers

In addition, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you will be asked to make to treat your hypertension. These may include:

• Decreasing sodium (salt) in your diet
• Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
• Losing weight
• Creating consistent exercise plans
• Practicing relaxation and breathing
• Avoiding processed foods

If you are experiencing high blood pressure, would like to discuss options to treat it or lower your risk, contact Concorde Medical Group today.