One in five American adults is unaware they have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At Elite NP Clinic in DeSoto, Texas, Nurse Practitioner Tamara Washington offers an array of treatments for high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. From medications to medical monitoring, education, and preventive care, Nurse Washington is here to help you regulate your blood pressure and enhance your wellness. Conveniently request an appointment here on the website or call today.
Hypertension
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition in which the long-term force of your blood against your artery walls is too high, to the point where it could result in complications, such as heart disease.
The amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries and how much blood your heart pumps determine your blood pressure. Higher blood pressure correlates with narrower arteries and more blood pumped by your heart.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Some of the symptoms of hypertension can include:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
Some people don’t experience any symptoms. At-home tests and in-office tests can help Nurse Washington diagnose high blood pressure. She also checks your blood pressure on your arm with a special pressure-measuring gauge and an appropriate-size inflatable arm cuff.
What causes hypertension?
There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary.
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension occurs over many years and has no identifiable cause.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension happens because of an underlying condition and can appear suddenly. Various factors can lead to secondary hypertension, such as:
- Kidney problems
- Thyroid disorders
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Congenital blood vessel defects
- Illegal drugs, such as cocaine and amphetamines
- Excess alcohol consumption and chronic alcohol abuse
- Medications, such as birth control pills, decongestants, cold remedies, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Though there isn’t always a definitive cause of hypertension, many factors are known to play a part, including:
- Stress
- Aging
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Tobacco use
- Family history
- Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
- Certain chronic health conditions
Some of the complications of hypertension include:
- Aneurysm
- Heart failure
- Memory loss
- Eye complications
- Metabolic syndrome
- Cognitive impairment
- Damage to the heart and blood vessels
What are the treatments for hypertension?
Nurse Washington reviews your medical history and conducts a physical exam. She checks your blood pressure and might recommend routine tests, such as a urine test, a cholesterol test, and an electrocardiogram to monitor your overall health and heart health.
Nurse Washington recommends a healthy lifestyle with optimal nutrition and suitable activity. You try to relieve your stress and maintain a healthy weight. If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, medications might be recommended. It’s also helpful to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake.
If you have hypertension, Nurse Washington works with you to decide the right course of treatment. For medical support from an attentive provider, visit Nurse Washington. Call or click to request your appointment.