One of the most widespread and risky adult health issues in America is hypertension, or high blood pressure. A "silent killer," it generally does not display any noticeable symptoms but greatly enhances the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and other life-altering complications. Knowing what causes it, learning to recognize its symptoms, and getting treatment promptly can make a life saving difference.

Our experienced doctors in Houston at Remix Medical specialize in helping individuals recognize and control high blood pressure by tailoring treatment to each patient and promoting strategies for sustained health.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing on your artery walls as your heart beats. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) as two numbers:

  • Systolic pressure (upper number): the pressure as your heart beats.
  • The diastolic pressure (lower number): your heart's resting pressure when it is between beats.

The normal blood pressure is typically 120/80 mm Hg. A blood pressure reading of 130/80 mm Hg or more is high blood pressure. Unchecked, hypertension has the potential to damage your arteries and organs over time.

Common Causes of High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can be classified as primary (essential) or secondary:

  1. Primary Hypertension
    The most common type, it develops gradually over years. The cause is not known, but there are a number of contributing factors:
    • Genetics: Family history of hypertension puts you at higher risk.
    • Aging: With increasing age, blood pressure increases.
    • Lifestyle: Lifestyle choices, such as an excessive salt consumption, inactivity, obesity, and recurrent stress, also contribute to them.
  2. Primary Hypertension
    It arises from an underlying medical condition and commonly emerges suddenly. Possible causes include:
    • Kidney disease
    • Thyroid disorders
    • Sleep apnea
    • Specific medications such as birth control, decongestants
    • Alcohol And Substance Abuse

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Sometimes, high blood pressure is symptomless, particularly in its early stages. But extremely high blood pressures cause symptoms like:

  • Severe headaches
  • Fatigue or confusion,
  • Vision issues
  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Blood in urine

Since symptoms usually do not show until considerable damage has been done, regular checkups with doctors in Houston for early diagnosis and treatment are crucial

Complications of Untreated Hypertension

If not controlled, high blood pressure can result in:

  • Heart attack or stroke: Because of thickening and narrowing of arteries
  • Heart failure: The heart works harder, ultimately causing it to fail.
  • Aneurysm: The blood vessels may become weakened and bulge due to increased pressure.
  • Kidney damage: Ineffective blood flow to the kidneys impairs them to work properly.
  • Vision loss: There can be blindness due to damaged blood vessels of the eyes.

Diagnosis and Monitoring

A cuff and stethoscope or digital blood pressure monitor is used by your health practitioner to measure your blood pressure to diagnose high blood pressure. A diagnosis is often confirmed by multiple readings collected over time.

Other tests might include:

  • Blood tests to assess kidney function or hormone levels
  • Urinalysis
  • EKG or echocardiogram for heart function

Our doctors in Houston at Remix Medical utilize state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to track your blood pressure trends and detect any underlying medical issues.

Management and Treatment Options

Controlling high blood pressure is an ongoing process that requires changes in lifestyle and, when necessary, medicine. Your treatment plan needs to be tailored to you and closely watched by your doctor.

Lifestyle Changes

  • Healthy diet: The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet focuses on fruits, vegetables, grains, and foods that are low in sodium.
  • Regular exercise: A minimum of 150 minutes weekly of moderate exercise.
  • Weight control: Losing as little as 5-10 pounds can reduce blood pressure.
  • Limit drinking and avoid smoking
  • Reducing stress: Yoga, therapy, or mindfulness can reduce hypertension brought about by stress.

Medication

If lifestyle changes alone is not enough, your doctor might prescribe:

  • Diuretics
  • ACE Inhibitors
  • Beta blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers)

It is crucial to stick to medications as directed and follow up on schedule as required.

Why Choose Remix Medical

In terms of your heart health, you deserve to be cared for by experienced medical professionals who know what it takes to tackle high blood pressure and are committed to your long-term health. At Remix Medical, our doctors in Houston provide individualized treatment plans, education, and advanced treatments that can assist you in living a healthier, longer life.

Take Control of Your Blood Pressure Today

Do not wait for symptoms to occur. If you are older than 40, there is hypertension within your family, or you notice abnormal symptoms, book an appointment for blood pressure screening at Remix Medical. Our experienced and compassionate doctors in Houston stand by to assist you at every turn. Call Remix Medical today or schedule your appointment online to get started on leading a heart-healthy life.


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