High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. While it is completely normal for a person’s blood pressure to change throughout the day based on certain activities, having blood pressure measures consistently above normal may result in a diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people with high blood pressure do not have signs or symptoms. However, some people with extremely high blood pressure may experience the following symptoms:

Severe headaches
Shortness of breath
Nosebleeds
Fatigue or confusion
Vision problems
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain

Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are two types of high blood pressure:

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension has no clear identifiable cause, but it is thought to be linked to genetics, poor diet, lack of exercise and obesity. Primary hypertension tends to develop gradually over time.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that is caused by another medical condition. Common conditions that may cause secondary hypertension:

Obstructive sleep apnea
Kidney disease
Thyroid problems
Adrenal gland tumors
Certain medications

Treatments for High Blood Pressure

Treatment will depend on what is causing high blood pressure. Common treatment options include:

Medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, diuretics, aldosterone antagonists, etc.
Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting the amount of alcohol you drink.

The team at Advanced Heart and Vein Center is committed to helping our patients decrease the risks associated with uncontrolled hypertension and elevated blood pressure, including heart disease and stroke. If you think you may have high blood pressure, call to schedule an appointment.

High Blood Pressure