Hypertension is more commonly known as high blood pressure. Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: the pressure in your arteries as blood is pumped against the arterial walls (systolic blood pressure) and the pressure in your arteries when the heart rests between beats (diastolic blood pressure). High blood pressure results from the blood pushing too hard against the artery walls and blood vessels, making the heart work harder to beat. The American College of Cardiology defines high blood pressure is measured as anything over 130/80 mmHg.
Oftentimes, people with hypertension live for years without any symptoms. Few people have the following symptoms and if they do, their condition has likely reached a severely dangerous level:
Risk factors for primary hypertension include unhealthy eating habits and not getting enough exercise. Poor eating habits can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, making your heart work harder to function properly. Health conditions like diabetes or obesity also put people at an increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Generally, this type of blood pressure develops gradually.
Secondary hypertension is a more severe type of high blood pressure that can develop more suddenly as a result of the following medical conditions or medications:
High blood pressure can be prevented with good lifestyle choices and healthy habits. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking and heavy alcohol use to regulate your blood pressure and prevent kidney disease. Consuming less salt and fatty foods will also lower your risk of hypertension and keep you in good overall health.
Prescription medications like ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics (water pills) are commonly used to lower blood pressure. Untreated hypertension can lead to serious health complications like chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. It’s important to schedule an annual checkup with your doctor to check your overall health, including a blood pressure reading.
Although high blood pressure can put you at risk for serious health problems, it can also be easily managed with the right treatments. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Guarav Tandon in Jacksonville, FL.
[inject-faq cat=’Hypertension’ sub_cat=’Can high blood pressure cause kidney failure?’]For many patients around the state, KCNF is the healthcare facility of choice. We seek to establish a distinctive environment with friendly and well-mannered staff and top medical practises. We provide cutting edge technology, vast research resources, and world-class options to our patients. We are able to offer our customers a variety of kidney treatments, consultations, and tests. Our expert team of doctors and nurses are available to round the clock. We also accept major insurances.
Check out the success stories of our patients or patients' families who have successfully received treatment at the Kidney Clinic of North Florida.
Good health is just a click away. Book your appointment now.