High Blood Pressure Specialist

What causes high blood pressure?

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

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

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:

• Stress
• Weight challenges
• Smoking
• Poor diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of high blood pressure

The use of certain medications, birth control pills, and illegal drugs can also contribute to high blood pressure.

What are the symptoms of 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:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath

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.

How is high blood pressure treated?

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.