Hypertension

At Lions OpTimal Health, we are dedicated to helping individuals manage and overcome the challenges posed by hypertension. Commonly known as high blood pressure, hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure remains consistently higher than normal.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure means a higher risk for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

At Lions OpTimal Health, our team of healthcare experts recognizes the importance of effectively diagnosing and treating this condition to improve your overall health and reduce the risk of complications. With our personalized approach and comprehensive care, we strive to empower you to take control of your blood pressure and lead a healthier life.

Hypertension is a chronic condition that can significantly impact your cardiovascular health. When you have hypertension, the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls is consistently high, putting extra strain on your heart as it works harder to pump blood.

It's crucial to understand this condition and take steps to manage it effectively for a healthier life.

Blood Pressure Readings

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and is typically represented by two numbers. The first number represents the systolic pressure (the pressure when the heart beats), and the second number represents the diastolic pressure (the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats).

In general, hypertension is diagnosed when the blood pressure reading is consistently 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Categories of Blood Pressure

To provide a clearer picture of blood pressure levels, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association have established four general categories:

Normal blood pressure is when your blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or lower, indicating a healthy range.

Elevated blood pressure is when your systolic pressure ranges between 120 and 129 mm Hg and your diastolic pressure is below 80 mm Hg. While not classified as hypertension, this category indicates an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

Stage 1 hypertension is when your systolic pressure ranges between 130 and 139 mm Hg, or your diastolic pressure is between 80 and 89 mm Hg. It indicates the presence of hypertension, requiring attention and management.

Stage 2 hypertension is when your systolic pressure is 140 mm Hg or higher, or your diastolic pressure is 90 mm Hg or higher. This stage signifies more severe hypertension and may require more aggressive treatment and lifestyle modifications.

Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mm Hg are considered a hypertensive emergency or crisis. If you or someone you know has these blood pressure numbers, seek immediate medical help.

Hypertension is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically doesn't cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, some people may experience symptoms such as:

• Persistent headaches, especially in the morning, may be a sign of high blood pressure.
• Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless, even with light physical activity, can be a symptom of hypertension.
• Chest pain or tightness may occur as a result of the heart having to work harder to pump blood.
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, particularly when standing up suddenly, may indicate high blood pressure.
• Persistent fatigue or weakness, even without significant exertion, can be a symptom of hypertension.
• Blurred vision or changes in vision may occur due to the impact of high blood pressure on the blood vessels in the eyes.

Note that these symptoms can also be associated with other medical conditions, and some people with hypertension may not experience any noticeable symptoms. Regular blood pressure monitoring is, therefore, essential for accurate diagnosis and management of the condition.

Hypertension can be influenced by factors such as:

1. Lifestyle Choices: Unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor dietary choices (excessive salt and fat intake), smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, can contribute to the development of hypertension.
2. Genetics: A family history of hypertension can increase your susceptibility to the condition. If your parents or close relatives have high blood pressure, you may also have a higher risk of developing it.
3. Age and Gender: As you age, the risk of hypertension increases. Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure before age 55, while women have an increased risk after menopause.
4. Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders, can contribute to hypertension.

Diagnosing hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an essential step in identifying and managing this condition. Regular blood pressure checks are crucial for early detection and intervention to prevent complications. We may utilize various diagnostic methods to accurately diagnose hypertension.

The first step in diagnosing hypertension is measuring your blood pressure. This is typically done using a blood pressure cuff and a sphygmomanometer, which measures the force of blood against the artery walls.

With hypertension, your blood pressure can fluctuate throughout the day. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, multiple blood pressure readings may be taken on different occasions. This helps determine whether your blood pressure consistently falls within the hypertensive range.

During the diagnostic process, your healthcare provider will review your medical history, including any risk factors or underlying conditions that may contribute to hypertension. They will also perform a physical examination to assess your overall health and check for any signs or symptoms associated with high blood pressure.

In some cases, additional tests may be recommended to evaluate the impact of hypertension on your health and to identify any underlying causes or related complications. These tests may include blood tests, urine tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram (echo).

Once diagnosed with hypertension, your healthcare provider at Lions OpTimal Health will establish a monitoring schedule tailored to your specific needs. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is crucial to track changes, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and make adjustments.

At Lions OpTimal Health, we believe in a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing hypertension. Our healthcare experts will work closely with you to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

We focus on controlling your blood pressure and addressing underlying factors contributing to hypertension. Our approach to managing hypertension may include the following:

Lifestyle Modifications: We will provide guidance on adopting a healthy lifestyle, including recommendations for a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and smoking cessation.

Medication Management: In some cases, medication may be necessary to control blood pressure effectively. Our healthcare professionals will evaluate your condition and prescribe appropriate medications, monitoring their effectiveness and adjusting the treatment plan as needed.

Regular Monitoring and Follow-up: We emphasize the importance of ongoing monitoring and follow-up visits to track your progress, make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and provide support and guidance along the way.

If you are living with hypertension or are concerned about your blood pressure levels, Lions OpTimal Health can help. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and empowering you to manage your condition effectively.

By addressing hypertension proactively, we can minimize the risk of complications and improve your overall well-being.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward managing your health effectively. Call us at (720) 645 4241 or request a consultation online.