Hypertension

Hypertension is a serious health issue and a leading cause of heart disease and stroke in the United States. Board-certified family practitioner Camille McDonald-Toussaint, MD, at Premier Primary Care, DPC, in Pompano Beach, Florida, can help you understand your blood pressure readings and learn how you can reach and maintain healthier blood pressure. Book your visit over the phone or online today.

What is hypertension?

Each time your heart beats, it pumps oxygenated blood into your arteries. This pumping action places pressure on artery walls, but the pressure falls in the rest between heartbeats. This is why your blood pressure is measured using two numbers.

The first (systolic) is the pressure placed on your artery walls during each heartbeat. The second (diastolic) is the pressure placed on artery walls in the brief pause between heartbeats. Measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), normal blood pressure falls at or below 120/80.

Anything above those levels should prompt a visit to Premier Primary Care, DPC, to explore treatment options.

What causes hypertension?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, doesn’t have a clear cause. Some issues that can lead to high blood pressure include:

• Smoking
• Genetic predisposition
• Chronic kidney disease
• Adrenal or thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnea
• Advanced age
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Being overweight or obese
• Excessive salt in your diet

Some of these factors are within your control, while others are not.

What can I do to reduce my blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is above 140/90, it’s important to seek professional care to bring it under control before a serious health issue arises. Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it doesn’t always present clear symptoms. For many, a heart attack or stroke is the first indication that high blood pressure is a problem.

Medications can help reduce your blood pressure. There are many available options, and finding the right approach can take a process of trial and error. Dr. McDonald can help you find a medication that works best for managing your blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes are one of the most powerful ways to both bring your blood pressure down and keep it at healthy levels for the rest of your life. Eating more fruits and vegetables, losing excess pounds, getting more exercise, and finding ways to manage stress and improve your sleep quality are all great options.

If you don’t know your blood pressure numbers, schedule an appointment at Premier Primary Care, DPC online or over the phone today. If you have hypertension, you’ll receive outstanding treatment to bring your numbers down to healthier levels.