High blood pressure occurs when the pressure of the blood against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. When this pressure is high enough, it can cause damage over time, leading to dangerous complications. Some of the possible complications of high blood pressure include:
Because these complications can be so severe, seeking treatment is essential for anyone with dangerously high blood pressure.
In many cases, high blood pressure won’t cause any symptoms. If your blood pressure is very high, you may experience nosebleeds, shortness of breath, or headaches. However, because these symptoms don’t always occur, having your blood pressure checked regularly is the best way to make sure you aren’t suffering from high blood pressure.
The Medical Clinic's staff measures your blood pressure each time you come to the office for an appointment. In general, the doctor may suspect that you have high blood pressure if your systolic pressure is more than 120 mm Hg or if your diastolic pressure is over 80 mm Hg. However, they may not recommend treatment until your systolic pressure reaches 140 mm Hg or your diastolic pressure reaches 90 mm Hg.
If your blood pressure reaches a level that requires treatment, the doctor usually prescribes medication. Common medications used to treat high blood pressure include beta blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers. Depending on your response to medication, you may need more than one prescription to bring your blood pressure down to a safe level.
In addition to taking medication, you may be able to reduce your blood pressure with specific lifestyle changes. Some of the lifestyle changes that may help with high blood pressure include:
You should also follow all of the doctors instructions carefully and keep all follow-up appointments.
Feel free to email us regarding any scheduling or general questions!