Hypertension

About Hypertension

What is hypertension? Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is characterized by an increase in arterial blood pressure that strains the walls of the vessels and heart. Essential hypertension, also known as primary hypertension, is the most prevalent type and has no particularly isolated cause. This type of hypertension can affect almost anyone and develops gradually over time. It often has no distinguishing symptoms, although when untreated for long periods of time, will negatively affect blood vessels and heart tissue leading to complications such as heart disease.

The second type of hypertension is known as secondary hypertension and its causative agents are primarily health-related such as kidney problems or thyroid problems. While these can be addressed to mitigate the condition, there are a number of risk factors that can also affect your blood pressure. These include age, race, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, alcohol use, potassium and vitamin D deficiencies, etc.

The only way to detect hypertension, as in many cases it is asymptomatic, is to have your doctor take your blood pressure readings at least once a year. Testing your blood pressure involves the use of a BP machine with an appropriately sized cuff and performed by a trained and experienced examiner. In addition, the pressure readings are taken from both your arms to ensure they give the same reading. If your pressure is abnormally high, the doctor will inform you on the available options to mitigate the effects of hypertension and control your blood pressure.

If the doctor records an abnormally high blood pressure reading, he will require subsequent readings taken on intervals of a few days to determine whether the readings are persistent. If this is the case, the doctor will then move to the next step: treatment and management. The primary goal is to lower the BP. To do this, they may prescribe medication and/or suggest lifestyle changes to prevent further exacerbation of the condition.

Detecting hypertension requires regular taking of your blood pressure readings, more so if you are a high-risk candidate. To have your blood pressure measured, visit Dr. Rizvi’s Complete Family Care Clinic located at 901 San Bernardino Road, Suite 104, Upland, CA 91786-4963. Or give us a call at (909) 946-0844 to book your appointment today.