High Blood Pressure

About 50% of people in the United States have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it. Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. in Tyler and Lindale, Texas, is a full-service internal medicine practice with providers who customize care for high blood pressure, focusing on the root cause. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today. 

What should I know about high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a chronic health condition that occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high. 

It’s normal for your blood pressure to vary throughout the day. However, excess pressure damages the blood vessels and organs when it’s higher than normal for too long.

High blood pressure puts you at risk of a heart attack or stroke. It also plays a role in the development of heart disease, kidney disease, and vascular dementia.

What does high blood pressure feel like?

High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer because it occurs without causing symptoms. If your blood pressure is dangerously high, you may have headaches, heart palpitations, or nosebleeds. But in most cases, there are no warning signs or symptoms.

Anyone can develop high blood pressure and your risk increases as you age. Diabetes and obesity may also increase your risk of experiencing high blood pressure. 

What tests diagnose high blood pressure?

Your provider at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. checks your blood pressure every time you come in for care. One higher-than-normal blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office doesn’t mean you have high blood pressure. 

If your provider has concerns about your blood pressure, they may ask you to invest in an at-home blood pressure machine to monitor your readings while you go about your normal day. This information may help your health care provider diagnose high blood pressure.

They diagnose you with high blood pressure if you have three higher-than-normal blood pressure readings at three separate health visits. 

What can I do to manage high blood pressure?

Your provider at Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. customizes your high blood pressure treatment plan based on the severity of your blood pressure readings and medical history.

Initial treatment focuses on lifestyle changes such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. Maintaining a healthy weight also improves high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure remains high after implementing lifestyle changes, your provider may prescribe blood pressure medication. 

High blood pressure is life-threatening when left uncontrolled. Call Tyler Internal Medicine Associates P.A. or book an appointment online today for expert high blood pressure care.