Your blood pressure is measured by the degree of pressure placed on arterial walls during heartbeats (systolic pressure) and the pressure placed in the brief pause between heartbeats (diastolic pressure). Healthy blood pressure is below 120 systolic and 80 diastolic.
A number of different things can cause high blood pressure. Primary hypertension develops with no clear cause. The first step in treating high blood pressure is determining the likely cause. Some of the things that can contribute to primary and secondary hypertension include:
Primary Hypertension | Secondary Hypertension |
---|---|
Genetic predisposition | Thyroid issues |
Sedentary lifestyle | Kidney disease |
Unhealthy diet | Obstructive sleep apnea |
Being overweight or obese | Congenital heart defects |
Smoking | Certain medications |
Illicit drug use | |
Problems with your adrenal glands |
There are steps you can take to dramatically improve your blood pressure. Taking a proactive approach is a critical part of your overall health and wellness and should be a top priority if you have elevated blood pressure.
Medications can help bring your blood pressure down to manageable levels. There are numerous drugs to choose from, and it can take a period of trial and error to find the right drug therapy for your needs.
While medications can be an effective way to lower blood pressure, lifestyle modifications can deliver long-term results and boost other areas of your health. We will work with you to identify areas where you can make improvements and will support you as you embrace new habits and practices.
At Synergy Primary Clinic, we view ourselves as your partners in health care. We are proud to empower those in our care to take control of their own health journey.
That process begins with a comprehensive physical exam, including blood pressure screening. Book your visit online or by phone today.