High Blood Pressure Specialist
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Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians
Primary Care Physicians located in Temecula, CA
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? Learning these through care at Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians in Temecula, California, can help identify high blood pressure before it’s too late. Blood pressure is common and easily treated, but regular blood pressure monitoring is important for proper diagnosis. Call or schedule an appointment at Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians today to learn more about blood pressure and your overall health.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force that your blood flow applies to the walls of your blood vessels. When this force is consistently high, you have high blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is defined as less than 120/80 mm Hg.
The first number of the measurement is your systolic reading and the second number is your diastolic reading. The first number tends to fluctuate more — like during exercise or stress -- while the second number remains fairly consistent.
Any measurement over 120/80 mm Hg is considered elevated. High blood pressure (hypertension) is diagnosed at 130/80 mm Hg or higher. A possibly life-threatening hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure is above 180/120 mm Hg.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure has many causes and risk factors related to your health, lifestyle, and family history. These include:
- High sodium diet
- Certain medications
- Older age
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Excess alcohol intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Being overweight or obese
A visit with your doctor to assess your risk factors is a preventive measure you can take to maintain good health.
What complications does high blood pressure cause?
While high blood pressure doesn’t have many symptoms, it can cause complications. These include:
- Aneurysm
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
- Heart attack
- Peripheral artery disease
- Vascular dementia
High blood pressure is considered a “silent killer” because many people don’t know they have it until it’s too late.
What is the method of diagnosing high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is diagnosed with a simple blood pressure reading. During your visits, you will always have your blood pressure checked to identify any changes over time.
Your doctor also keeps up-to-date with your medical history, other health conditions, and lifestyle in order to evaluate your risk factors. If your blood pressure readings are consistently elevated, your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure.
What is the treatment for high blood pressure?
Regular monitoring is the best way to understand your blood pressure. Your doctor provides guidance to improve your habits through diet and exercise as part of your comprehensive treatment plan.
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to decrease your blood pressure, medications may be needed.
High blood pressure can be scary, but learning your numbers and risk factors can take away some of the fear. Learn more by calling or scheduling a visit to Temecula Valley Primary Care Physicians today.
