One in three adults in the United States suffers from hypertension, better known as high blood pressure, today. Only about 50% of them have their hypertension well controlled, but the good news is that you can be one of them with the help of Sterling Medical Center. Sterling Heights, Michigan, patients can get the help they need through the online scheduler or by calling the office today.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
What is high blood pressure?
HIgh blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is a condition that develops when there’s too much pressure as your blood moves against your blood vessel walls. When you have high blood pressure, you’re at risk for heart disease, stroke, and other major health issues.
Your blood pressure includes two figures, systolic and diastolic. The first figure, the systolic, is the pressure inside your blood vessels when your heart contracts. The other number, the diastolic, is the pressure between contractions.
- Elevated: 120-129 systolic and under 80 mmHg diastolic
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130-139 systolic or 80-90 mmHg diastolic
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140 or higher systolic or 90 or higher diastolic
- Hypertensive crisis: over 180 systolic and/or higher than 120 diastolic
If you have elevated blood pressure, Sterling Medical Center may recommend taking some steps to prevent it from becoming a health problem.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is usually symptom-free, and many sufferers don’t know that they have it until a physical exam or other medical appointment reveals it. Sometimes high blood pressure is known as “the silent killer,” in fact.
In rare situations, high blood pressure may cause headaches or nosebleeds. But, if you experience symptoms like that, it’s very likely a case of hypertensive crisis and is a medical emergency that you should seek treatment for immediately.
What are the dangers of hypertension?
High blood pressure can cause serious damage to nearly every part of your body, and if untreated, it can eventually kill you. Some of the many damaging effects of high blood pressure can include:
- Stroke
- Brain damage
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
With so many scary potential effects, it’s vital that you get help to get your hypertension under control as soon as possible.
What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
Your Sterling Medical Center team helps with hypertension from the moment that your checkup reveals a problem. Blood pressure maintenance often includes lifestyle changes like anxiety management and diet and exercise improvements. Patient education is key, so you’ll learn natural and healthy ways to reduce your blood pressure.
If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient, your care provider can prescribe medication. But, medication works best when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Use the online scheduler or call Sterling Medical Center to get hypertension help now.