High Blood Pressure

Treating high blood pressure is a simple way to minimize the risk of a stroke, heart attack, and heart disease. At Richmond Primary Care Specialists in the Prince’s Bay neighborhood of Staten Island, New York City, exceptional medical professionals diagnose and effectively treat high blood pressure to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Schedule a blood pressure screening by phone or request one online today. 

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a condition that affects the pressure inside of blood vessels. It causes your heart to work harder than usual, which may lead to medical complications. If your blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or higher, treatment to reduce blood pressure is vital. 

Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?

High blood pressure generally doesn’t cause symptoms unless the pressure in your blood vessel walls reaches a dangerously high level. If this happens, you might experience nosebleeds, headaches, or shortness of breath. 

When not treated, hypertension can increase your risk of a stroke, heart attack, aneurysm (weakened, bulging blood vessel), heart failure, or kidney problems. You also have a higher chance of developing eye damage, dementia, or other cognitive issues. 

What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?

Genetics and your environment both play roles in developing high blood pressure. Risk factors include:

• Family history of high blood pressure
• Aging
• Overweight and obesity
• Tobacco use
• Vaping
• Lack of exercise
• Low dietary potassium
• Excess dietary salt
• Stress
• Excess alcohol 
• Pregnancy
• Chronic diseases

Examples of diseases that might increase the risk of hypertension include diabetes, sleep apnea, and kidney disease.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed? 

Diagnosing high blood pressure uses a blood pressure cuff placed around your arm and a stethoscope or blood pressure machine. It takes about a minute to complete. This process is a painless, effective way to assess your disease risks.

The Richmond Primary Care Specialists team typically checks your blood pressure during each office visit. You should undergo blood pressure screenings at least once yearly after you turn 18. Schedule more frequent screenings if you have a personal or family history of high blood pressure. 

How is high blood pressure treated? 

Treating high blood pressure involves making lifestyle changes and taking medications if necessary. Try the following at home to reduce blood pressure:

• Exercise regularly
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products
• Don’t vape
• Achieve or maintain an ideal body weight
• Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts
• Limit caffeine, sodium, and alcohol 
• Try biofeedback or relaxation techniques to reduce stress
• Limit sweets, added sugars, sugar-sweetened drinks, and red meat
• Consume calcium-rich foods

Take any medications as directed, try medically supervised weight loss if you carry excess weight, and follow up with the Richmond Primary Care Specialists team for periodic blood pressure screenings.

Schedule a blood pressure evaluation at Richmond Primary Care Specialists by phone or request one online today.