When you visit your doctor for a wellness checkup, one of the first tests is a blood pressure reading. This is because if your blood pressure is too high or too low, it could indicate an emergency that requires immediate care. Talk to Dr. Jaime Rivas at Jaime Rivas Physician, PC in Stamford, CT, about hypertension, a common blood pressure disorder.

What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension is another name for high blood pressure. This cardiovascular health concern affects almost half of American adults according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High blood pressure is usually diagnosed when the systolic and diastolic readings are 140 over 90, respectively, or above. When blood pressure is high, there is too much pressure on the arteries which can weaken them over time. Untreated hypertension could lead to more serious heart-related diseases including heart attack, stroke, and heart disease.

Early Detection

Some patients don’t have obvious symptoms of hypertension, which is why it is important to check it regularly at home or with a doctor. Regular checks are particularly important if you have a family history of high blood pressure. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Dizziness and blurry vision.
• Swollen ankles and limbs.
• Headaches and migraines.
• Racing heartbeat.
• Vomiting frequently.
• Nose bleeds.
• A general feeling of anxiety.
• Buzzing sounds in the ears.
• Pain in the chest.

Intervention Strategies To Help Prevent Hypertension

The first intervention step that your Stamford, CT, doctor will recommend for hypertension is a change in your dietary choices. Many patients who have hypertension have a high-sodium diet. The sodium causes water retention, which increases blood pressure. Other intervention and prevention strategies include:

• Light to moderate daily exercise.
• Weight loss.
• Stress release therapies.
• Reduction or elimination of alcohol or tobacco use.
• Take blood pressure medications as prescribed.
• Invest in an at-home sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor or cuff) and check your blood pressure each day.
• Schedule an urgent checkup with your doctor if you notice your blood pressure numbers trending upward.

It’s Possible To Prevent Hypertension

Though hypertension is common and often runs in families, you can still prevent it with lifestyle and diet adjustments as well as medication and regular checkups with your doctor. Schedule your next visit with Dr. Jaime Rivas at Jaime Rivas Physician, PC in Stamford, CT, to discuss hypertension by calling (203) 274-6843.