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Hypertension

Best Hypertension in Patchogue, New Hyde Park & Hicksville

HypertensionHigh blood pressure, also called hypertension, is one of the most common chronic conditions in America, affecting approximately one-third of the nation’s adult population. Hypertension, often called the silent killer, has very few symptoms, so people can go for years without knowing that they have the disease.

Uncontrolled hypertension can have devastating consequences, including heart attack, cardiovascular disease, stroke, vision loss and kidney failure. Many factors can contribute to high blood pressure. You might be at increased risk of hypertension if you:

  • Are over age 45 (men) or 65 (women)
  • Are obese or overweight
  • Smoke or use tobacco
  • Don’t exercise regularly
  • Consume too much sodium
  • Consume too little potassium and vitamin D
  • Consume too much alcohol
  • Experience uncontrolled stress

If you have any of these risk factors, or if hypertension runs in your family, keep an eye out for the warning signs of high blood pressure.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Because hypertension lacks many obvious outward symptoms, many people go for years without knowing they have high blood pressure. If you do have symptoms, you might notice:

  • Severe or persistent headaches
  • Confusion and difficulty concentrating
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Chest pain and irregular heartbeat
  • Breathing difficulties

Hypertension’s lack of symptoms makes it a truly dangerous condition. To determine if you are at risk for hypertension, schedule regular check-ups, and screenings with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Hypertension in Pregnancy

Women often experience hypertension during pregnancy; the condition complicates about 10% of all pregnancies. There are four categories of hypertension during pregnancy: chronic hypertension, preeclampsia-eclampsia, preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension, and gestational hypertension. Depending on the severity of hypertension during pregnancy, emergency treatment may be required. First-time moms, women carrying twins, and women younger than 20 or older than 40 are especially at risk for hypertension.

At Brookhaven Heart, we take hypertension very seriously. As such, our procedures pair the latest techniques and technology with the best physicians in the country. If you suspect trouble with your pregnancy, you should contact us immediately. We’ll schedule an appointment and find a solution before conditions worsen. In the end, we aim for a heart-healthy life for both you and your child.

Prevention of Hypertension

At Brookhaven Heart, we suggest the following methods to prevent hypertension:

  • Know your blood pressure. Make an appointment with your primary care physician and make a note of your blood pressure. Alternatively, stop at a health fair for a free evaluation, or check your blood pressure at a pharmacy.
  • Kick salt. Wherever possible, reduce your intake of salt (sodium) which is known to raise blood pressure.
  • Get active. We often forego physical activity due to stress or exhaustion after work. Where possible, try to become more active. If you’re pregnant, speak with your doctor regarding an exercise program. Sedentary women are likely to gain more weight during pregnancy, which increases their blood pressure.
  • Know your medication. Try to understand your prescriptions; some may raise blood pressure. Check with your doctor before taking anything to ensure it is safe for you and your blood pressure levels.

Causes of Hypertension

Numerous factors can lead to hypertension. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pressing against the walls of your blood vessels. The heart is designed to pump blood into arteries, which then carry blood throughout the entire body. Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, makes the heart work harder to pump blood. This strain typically leads to hardened arteries, stroke, kidney disease, or heart failure.

Hypertension is often caused by:

  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Too much salt
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Stress
  • Old age
  • Genetics
  • Chronic kidney disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Alcohol consumption

The older you are, the more likely high blood pressure is to be an issue. Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to keep your blood pressure within reasonable levels. We can manage hypertension together!

Get Screened for Hypertension Today

If you think you might be at risk for high blood pressure, visit Brookhaven Heart for screening today. Managing hypertension begins with understanding the disease and knowing how to care for your body. Our healthcare team can help you figure out how to eat a healthier diet, incorporate more physical activity into your daily routine, sleep better, and avoid stress. With the right support, you can lower your risk of disease and manage your high blood pressure.

FAQs

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