High Blood Pressure Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

As your blood travels through your blood vessels, it exerts force against the insides of your arteries and veins. That pressure is measured both when your heart beats (systolic) and when your heart rests between beats (diastolic). As a result, your blood pressure is represented in two numbers, written as 120/80 mmHg. 

Any reading in which either your systolic or diastolic numbers are higher than 120/80 mmHg is considered elevated. The higher your numbers, the greater your risk of cardiovascular health problems. 

While high blood pressure doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages, when left untreated, it can cause:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Shortness of breath

However, it's possible not to know that you have high blood pressure until you have a heart attack or stroke. 

What causes high blood pressure?

Your genetics contribute to your risk of developing high blood pressure. Your chances of high blood pressure increase with:

• Aging 
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High fat, salt, and sugar diet
• Smoking and tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Stress

You can develop high blood pressure as a secondary condition to other health issues such as sleep apnea, kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid dysfunction.

What methods diagnose high blood pressure?

The team at Russak Personalized Medicine checks your blood pressure at every appointment with a blood pressure cuff. If you have elevated or high blood pressure, they invite you back for additional blood pressure checks at different times of day to ensure your high reading wasn't a one-off. Your provider may also suggest further cardiovascular testing, such as echocardiograms to assess your overall cardiovascular health.

What methods treat high blood pressure?

Your treatment plan is customized to address your specific needs. For example, if your blood pressure is only slightly high, you may be able to reduce it with changes to your diet and exercise habits. The team at Russak Personalized Medicine provides advice, meal plans, and information on adding exercise to your daily routine. 

However, if diet and exercise changes don't reduce your blood pressure, your doctor can also prescribe medications such as diuretics, ACE-inhibitors, and beta-blockers. 

If you're concerned about high blood pressure or looking for an attentive concierge medicine membership, call Russak Personalized Medicine or make an appointment online today.