{"id":1304,"date":"2022-12-22T19:31:29","date_gmt":"2022-12-22T19:31:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenbrookmedical.com\/?p=1304"},"modified":"2023-09-04T16:00:21","modified_gmt":"2023-09-04T16:00:21","slug":"high-blood-pressure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenbrookmedical.com\/high-blood-pressure\/","title":{"rendered":"High Blood Pressure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It is estimated that nearly one in three adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many do not even know it. While high blood pressure is very common, it is a highly treatable condition with blood pressure medications and a healthy lifestyle. Let\u2019s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions about high blood pressure.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is high blood pressure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your blood pressure is the force of blood against your blood vessels. High blood pressure (hypertension) describes an abnormally high force, which can lead to damage in the blood vessels and damage your heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blood pressure is measured with two different numbers: systolic and diastolic. The top number or systolic tells how much pressure is being put on your arteries as your heart beats. The bottom or diastolic number measures how much pressure is placed on your arteries in between your heartbeats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the two types of high blood pressure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of elevated blood pressure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Primary hypertension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that develops for no identifiable reason. The condition tends to develop gradually over many years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondary hypertension<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Secondary hypertension describes high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition, such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or obstructive sleep apnea<\/a>. You can also develop secondary hypertension if you use certain medications or illicit drugs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When should I seek treatment for high blood pressure?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Because you can have high blood pressure for years before you develop symptoms, you should schedule routine blood pressure screenings with your doctor.<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n