High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 75 million adults in the United States, which is nearly one-third of the population over the age of 18. The good news is that there are ways to resolve the issue, before it leads to more serious, and even life-threatening, cardiovascular issues. The first step is to put yourself under the expert care of Hertzel Sure, MD, at Sure Medical Care, where he can help you get a handle on your blood pressure numbers for long-term health. To get started, call the Elmhurst, New York, office for an appointment or use the online scheduling tool.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
FAQ
Your blood pressure is the amount of force your blood places on your arterial walls with each beat of your heart. Over time, this force can damage your blood vessels, which can lead to:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Aneurysm
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
As you can see by this list, the ramifications of high blood pressure are very serious, which is why lowering your blood pressure under Dr. Sure’s guidance is paramount.
Measuring your blood pressure is very simple, and Dr. Sure and his team of medical professionals routinely conduct this test during your annual physical exam or during any visit to Sure Medical. Your provider measures your blood pressure with a simple cuff that registers two numbers — systolic on top and diastolic on the bottom. Your systolic number is the pressure on your arteries during a heartbeat and your diastolic number is the pressure in between heartbeats.
Here’s how blood pressure numbers break out:
- Below 120 over below 80: Normal
- 120-129 over below 80: Elevated
- 130-139 over 80-89: High, stage 1
- 140 or higher over 90 or higher: High, stage 2
The good news is that if your blood pressure numbers are high, there are actions you and Dr. Sure can take to lower them.
The most common factors that contribute to high blood pressure include:
- Being overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Older age
- Race (African Americans are more susceptible to high blood pressure)
- Smoking
- Diet (too much salt and/or too little potassium)
As you can see by this list, there are some factors that are beyond your control, but there are also plenty well within your power to change.
If your blood pressure numbers are high, Dr. Sure tailors a treatment plan to fit your unique circumstances and goals. This treatment may include:
- Medications
- Dietary changes, typically a low-sodium diet
- Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking
- An exercise regimen
These steps can go a long way toward lowering your blood pressure, allowing you to reverse the course of your health for the better.
To lower your blood pressure, call Sure Medical Care, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an appointment.