High Blood Pressure Treatment in Fargo

There are two types of hypertension:

• Essential or primary hypertension
• Secondary hypertension

The most common type of hypertension is primary, which develops gradually over time. There is no known cause.

Secondary hypertension can be caused by certain medications or it may be caused by an underlying health issue, such as kidney problems or thyroid disease. Fortunately, this type of hypertension can be reversed once the underlying medical condition has been treated.

Certain factors can increase a person’s risk of developing primary hypertension, such as:

• Alcohol use
• Stress
• Poor diet
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Gender
• Family history of hypertension
• Age

HYPERTENSION SYMPTOMS

High blood pressure often has no noticeable symptoms, even when a person’s blood pressure reading is very high. Because of the lack of symptoms, hypertension often goes undetected for several years.

Hypertension is usually treated with medications. Medications can include diuretics to lower excess volume in the system, meds that slow the heart rate and make it pump more effectively, and meds that can help dilate the blood vessels. Treatment can depend on how high your blood pressure is and whether you have other health issues, such as organ damage or diabetes.

Your provider will give you a blood pressure goal, which is based on your age and health.

Reaching your blood pressure goal and achieving normal blood pressure levels can be accomplished by taking your medication as directed and by making important lifestyle changes.

Effective lifestyle changes that can help you manage hypertension include:

• Regular exercise, including weight training and aerobic exercise
• Incorporating more physical activity daily
• Eating a balanced diet and limiting sodium intake
• Maintaining normal weight
• Losing extra weight
• Limiting alcohol to two drinks daily

WEIGHT LOSS

Losing weight is one of the best ways a patient can lower their blood pressure. Obesity or being overweight is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, so losing weight can have a huge impact on your daily blood pressure.

EXERCISING REGULARLY

Exercising regularly can help to lower your blood pressure. It is recommended to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week to ensure a healthy cardiovascular system. Even exercises such as walking can have a huge impact on a person’s blood pressure.

FOLLOWING A HEALTHY DIET

Studies have shown that a healthy diet is one of the best ways a person can manage their hypertension. Limiting sodium intake and focusing on incorporating more fruits and veggies can help lower blood pressure and aids in weight loss.

LIMITING CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL

Limiting alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks to no more than two drinks daily can also help to lower blood pressure levels.

STOP SMOKING

Smokers are at a higher risk of complications and an elevated risk of heart disease.

MINIMIZE STRESS

Stress can be unavoidable at times, but a person with hypertension must do their best to avoid chronic stress that can elevate their blood pressure. Exercising, meditating, or spending time outdoors, can help to naturally lower blood pressure levels.

VISIT YOUR MEDICAL PROVIDER AT ALTAIRE CLINIC FOR REGULAR HEART CHECKUPS

Visit your medical provider at Altaire Clinic regularly. This is important for everyone but especially important for people diagnosed with high blood pressure. A provider can monitor blood pressure levels and other vitals and can prescribe medications that can help a patient control their blood pressure. They can also suggest lifestyle changes that can have a major positive impact on a patient’s health.

If a person with high blood pressure does not seek medical treatment it can lead to a variety of health issues including:

• Congestive heart failure
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Damage to the upper respiratory system

High blood pressure can weaken the heart, preventing it from functioning efficiently. As unchecked high blood pressure continues to weaken the heart, portions of the heart can become diseased. Untreated hypertension can also cause other health issues that can harm the circulatory system.