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It’s estimated that nearly half the adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it. At Greenbrook Medical, primary care physicians Prakash Machhar, MD and Raj Machhar, MD offer preventive screenings on-site to identify warning signs of high blood pressure in the earliest stages. They work with you on a treatment plan to bring your blood pressure levels under control to minimize your risk for heart damage and other complications. Call the office in New Port Richey or Seffner, Florida today to schedule a screening for high blood pressure or request an appointment online.
What is high blood pressure?
Your blood pressure is the force of blood against your blood vessels. High blood pressure (hypertension) describes a force that’s abnormally high, which can lead to damage in the vessel and damage your heart.
There are two types of high blood pressure:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that develops for no identifiable reason. The condition tends to develop gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension describes high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or obstructive sleep apnea.
You can also develop secondary hypertension if you use certain medications or illicit drugs.
When should I seek treatment for high blood pressure?
Because you can have high blood pressure for years before you develop symptoms, you should schedule routine blood pressure screenings at Greenbrook Medical. The physicians can check your blood pressure at regular intervals and during your annual physical.
You also need a diagnostic evaluation if you have unexplained symptoms that can relate to high blood pressure levels, such as:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms can mean that your blood pressure levels are very high and are putting you at risk for heart damage and other complications.
The physicians at Greenbrook Medical spend time reviewing your personal and family medical histories, your existing health, and perform a physical exam. They may also request blood work and other diagnostic testing to identify underlying health issues that contribute to high blood pressure.
How is high blood pressure treated?
There are steps you can take to lower your blood pressure naturally, such as incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily diet and getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
If lifestyle and diet changes aren’t enough to control your blood pressure, the Greenbrook Medical providers may prescribe medications to relax your blood vessels to improve your circulation or to help eliminate excess fluids from your body.
If you have existing health conditions like diabetes that contribute to high blood pressure, the physicians can customize a care plan to treat it. They can also provide you with resources to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
You need to schedule regular blood pressure checks at the office, and the physicians can teach you how to monitor your blood pressure at home.
To schedule a high blood pressure screening, call the Greenbrook Medical office nearest to you today or request an appointment online.