What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension is diagnosed when your blood pressure is too high over time. Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels. 

With hypertension, that force is stronger than is healthy. Without treatment, hypertension may gradually damage your fragile vessels and organs.

Hypertension is often called a silent killer. You may have hypertension without showing any symptoms. However, there are a few warning signs to look for, such as:

• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Nosebleeds

Hypertension doesn’t usually strike right away but gradually over time, which is why high-quality preventive care from Medical Associates of North Texas is so important. 

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Hypertension is easily diagnosed with an inflatable cuff called a sphygmomanometer. The cuff goes around your upper arm. 

When inflated, the cuff briefly compresses your brachial artery, which temporarily stops the flow of blood. As the cuff slowly deflates, a member of the team at Medical Associates of North Texas records your blood pressure as two numbers:

Systolic

The top number records your systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure of your blood pushing against your artery walls during heartbeats.

Diastolic

The bottom number records the systolic pressure, the force of your blood as your heart rests between beats. 

Normal blood pressure is under 120/80 mm Hg. You have hypertension if your blood pressure remains above those numbers with repeated testing.

How is hypertension treated?

The team at Medical Associates of North Texas discusses making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle. The practice offers weight loss programs, as well.

Simple changes, such as the ones below, may help lower your blood pressure: 

• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding stress
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet
• Limiting your intake of alcoholic beverages
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Along with making lifestyle changes, the team may prescribe medications to lower your blood pressure. These medications may help reduce your risk for hypertension-related conditions, such as:

• Heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney disease or failure
• Vision problems
• Sexual dysfunction

When you meet with the team at Medical Associates of North Texas, they discuss whether medications may help your condition and provide chronic management to minimize long-term heart complications.

If you’re worried about hypertension, the team can talk with you about preventive care to give you the best shot at lasting health. Call Medical Associates of North Texas or schedule an online consultation today.