It’s estimated that half of the adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it. At Heart Care Centers of Florida, the team offers routine screenings and customized treatment plans for high blood pressure. The physicians also provide comprehensive educational resources to help you better manage your blood pressure to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Call the office in Titusville, Merritt Island, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, to schedule a high blood pressure evaluation or book an appointment online today.
Your blood pressure is the measurement of the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. When your blood pressure levels are too high for a prolonged period, it can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
There are two types of high blood pressure (hypertension):
Primary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops for no identifiable reason. Often, your blood pressure levels build up gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension describes high blood pressure that results from an underlying health condition such as a thyroid disorder, kidney disease, or obstructive sleep apnea.
You may also be at risk for secondary hypertension because of:
The use of certain medications, birth control pills, and illegal drugs can also contribute to high blood pressure.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure doesn’t typically cause symptoms until the condition progresses. That means that you may have high blood pressure for a while without even knowing it.
Long-term high blood pressure can ultimately lead to symptoms like:
You can also experience a heart attack, stroke, or an aneurysm if your blood pressure remains too high for too long.
To identify high blood pressure in the earliest stages, schedule routine blood pressure screenings at Heart Care Centers of Florida, especially if you have risk factors for the condition.
Your initial treatment plan for high blood pressure may involve changes to your lifestyle and diet.
The providers at Heart Care Centers of Florida can recommend a heart-healthy diet plan that limits salt and fats. You should also get at least 30 minutes of exercise every day to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. If you smoke, the providers can offer resources that help you quit for good.
If these changes aren’t enough to lower your blood pressure levels naturally, the cardiologists may prescribe medications. Some medications work by relaxing your blood vessels to improve blood circulation and others work by eliminating excess fluids from your body.
You can expect to schedule routine blood pressure screenings, so the team can monitor any changes that may require additional treatment.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for high blood pressure, call the Heart Care Centers of Florida office nearest to you today or book a consultation online.
