Hypertension

Nearly 75 million Americans are living with hypertension, a statistic that represents one out of every three adults. Because high blood pressure is a silent killer, Pannaben Nangha, MD, and the team at Mansfield Primary Care Doctors in Mansfield, Texas, offer blood pressure screening and treatment. To find out your blood pressure reading and explore ways to reach a healthier number, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common health issue that can lead to serious negative health ramifications. Routine blood pressure screening is the best way to avoid hypertension. 

Blood pressure is the amount of pressure placed on the walls of your arteries. Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure created during each heartbeat, and diastolic blood pressure is the pressure created in the pause between heartbeats. 

Generally, blood pressure that measures at or below 120/80 is considered normal. Levels higher than 140/90 is the threshold for hypertension. If your blood pressure falls between those levels, you may have prehypertension and should make adjustments to reach healthier levels. 

What are some causes of hypertension? 

There are a number of factors that can lead to hypertension, but the most common problem involves poor diet and insufficient exercise. 

If you routinely consume foods that are high in fat and low in protein, your blood pressure is likely to rise. A sedentary lifestyle also places you at high risk for hypertension. 

Additional causal factors include:

• Unmanaged stress
• Kidney disease
• Diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• High cholesterol
• Obesity 
• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Family history

Men and women over the age of 60 have a higher risk level, as do certain ethnic groups. 

How is hypertension treated?

Treating hypertension focuses on bringing your blood pressure back to healthier levels. That process involves numerous treatment efforts. 

While there are medications that can help lower your blood pressure, hypertension isn’t a problem that can be resolved with pills alone. 

Your Mansfield Primary Care Doctors provider works with you to identify lifestyle factors that can be improved and helps you create a realistic plan to make incremental changes over time. 

Medication can help you bring your numbers down relatively quickly, but improving your diet and exercise routine is what will keep those numbers where they need to be for the long term. 

If you’re ready to explore these and other treatment options, book a consultation at Mansfield Primary Care Doctors. Call the office or request one online today.