Hypertension Treatment in Houston, Texas
Welcome to the Houston Concierge Clinic’s website, where we strive to provide comprehensive medical information and personalized care to our patients. Today, we will be discussing a common but serious medical condition - Hypertension.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can lead to serious health issues such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Blood pressure is measured using two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number) which represents the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure (the bottom number) which represents the pressure when the heart is at rest.
Normal blood pressure is typically considered to be around 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mm Hg or higher. It is important to note that high blood pressure usually does not cause symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the “silent killer”.
The Symptoms of Hypertension
What are the symptoms of Hypertension?
As mentioned, hypertension is often asymptomatic, which is why it is important to have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially if you have risk factors such as a family history of high blood pressure, smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough physical activity.
In some cases, patients may experience symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Dizziness.
However, these symptoms are not specific to hypertension and can be indicative of other medical conditions as well.
What are the diagnoses and treatments of Hypertension?
Diagnosing hypertension involves multiple blood pressure readings taken on different occasions to confirm a consistent pattern of high blood pressure. Additional tests may include blood tests, urine tests, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and an echocardiogram to assess the damage caused by high blood pressure to the heart and other organs.
Once diagnosed, the treatment of hypertension involves a combination of lifestyle changes and medications to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of complications. Lifestyle modifications include:
- Healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting salt, saturated fats, and processed foods can help lower blood pressure.
- Regular exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can help lower blood pressure.
- Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can help reduce blood pressure.
- Stress management: Managing stress through techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques can help lower blood pressure.
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking: Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can raise blood pressure, so it is important to limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
In addition to lifestyle modifications, medications may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure. These medications may include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other types of antihypertensive drugs. It is important to take these medications as prescribed and follow up with your healthcare provider regularly to monitor your blood pressure and adjust your treatment plan as needed.