Hypertension

Is hypertension a disease?

Hypertension isn’t a disease, but it is a potentially serious medical condition. Blood pressure greater than 130/80 mmHg is considered hypertension. 

Each time you visit Capital Cardiology Associates, you get a blood pressure reading. If you have hypertension, this regular monitoring allows you to take action to reduce your blood pressure right away and prevent a heart attack or stroke in the future.

What factors increase my risk of hypertension?

There are various factors that increase your risk of hypertension, including:

Weight issues

If you’re overweight or obese, you’re more likely to experience hypertension.

Age

Your risk of hypertension increases during and after middle age.

Diet

Consuming meals and snacks that are high in fat, sugar, and salt cause hypertension.

Family history

If your parents or siblings have hypertension, you're more likely to have it, too.

Lack of exercise

You might develop high blood pressure if you spend most of your time sitting down. Therefore, it’s important to exercise several times a week.

During preventive checkups, the team at Capitol Cardiology Associates monitors the above factors to reduce your risk for hypertension.

Does hypertension increase my risk of other health problems?

Hypertension increases your risk of various health problems, including:

• Kidney failure
• Stroke
• Vision loss
• Heart disease
• Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries)

If you’re concerned about any of these issues, contact Capital Cardiology Associates immediately.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

To diagnose hypertension, your Capitol Cardiology Associates provider takes your blood pressure with an inflatable cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge. To ensure accurate results, they measure your blood pressure several times and calculate the average. A reading of 120/80 mm/Hg is considered normal, but anything higher indicates a potential problem.

How is hypertension treated?

At Capitol Cardiology Associates, the team prescribes hypertension treatment based on your symptoms, your coexisting health issues, and your blood pressure readings. Often, lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet and quitting smoking lower your blood pressure. You may also need prescription medication.

With a commitment to improved health and the team’s support, you can be healthy in spite of a hypertension diagnosis.

Make an appointment at Capitol Cardiology Associates today to receive treatment for hypertension; call the nearest office or click the online booking feature.