Nearly 45% of Americans have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. However, it is estimated that only a quarter of those has their symptoms under control. So, when should those patients see a cardiologist for their high blood pressure? Luckily for those patients with high blood pressure, there is a lot that a cardiologist can do to treat their symptoms and even prevent it in other patients. Your goal should be to find the best cardiologist near you to work with to get your symptoms under control or prevent them together.
What is High Blood Pressure?
The force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls is known as blood pressure. Two numbers are used to represent blood pressure. When the heartbeats, the top number is the systolic pressure, and when the heart rests, the bottom number is the diastolic pressure. If the top number is greater than 140 and the bottom number is greater than 90, hypertension may be present. However, the top number is the most important because it corresponds to the highest risk of heart disease.
When your blood travels through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal, you have high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). A variety of factors can cause high blood pressure. Blood pressure that is excessively high or stays too high for an extended period might create health concerns. High blood pressure that isn’t regulated puts you at risk for stroke, heart disease, heart attack, and renal failure.
Early Detection and Prevention
A cardiologist can work with you to prevent high blood pressure from occurring, especially if you have pre-existing conditions, exhibit risk factors, or have a high blood pressure family history. It’s critical to catch high blood pressure early on before it does too much damage. That’s why you should have it checked every two years at the absolute least and more frequently if you’re over 50 or have other risk factors.
Your cardiologist may perform the following tests to check for or confirm a high blood pressure diagnosis:
- Blood pressure cuff measurements
- Lab tests
- EKG/ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiogram
Regarding preventing a high blood pressure diagnosis, your cardiologist can work with you to devise a plan for living a healthy lifestyle to thwart high blood pressure. Of course, if your high blood pressure is caused by genetics or other factors, other avenues may be discussed more in-depth. The following actions can considerably lower your risk of developing high pressure:
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Eat healthier, natural foods and less processed foods
- Exercise
- Lower your salt intake
- Reduce your alcohol consumption
- Reduce stress as much as possible
Treating High Blood Pressure
The goal of treatment is to get your blood pressure back to where it should be. Of course, your first treatment option should be to change your lifestyle habits to become healthier. For example, people who reduce their sodium consumption often find their blood pressure decreases dramatically. These changes can not only lower your blood pressure but can also improve your overall physical and mental health.
Your doctor may recommend a simple medication to use and have minimal if any, adverse effects. If you can only control your blood pressure with medication, you’ll have to take it for the rest of your life. Therefore, be sure to consult with your doctor before stopping such medication!
If you believe that you exhibit symptoms, engage in risk factors, or have a family history of high blood pressure, consider contacting the best cardiologist near you for the most in-depth prevention and treatment plans available. The doctors at CT Cardio are highly trained and knowledgeable in treatment plans for high blood pressure and similar ailments, so you can rest assured that you are getting the best care! Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
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