Hypertension
You might have hypertension and not even know it. When you visit Pax Internal Medicine Associates in Akron, Ohio, the board-certified doctor, Chimezie Amanambu, MD, and the team offer expert care to check your blood pressure and provide you with expert care so you can live a healthy life. To learn more, call the practice or book an appointment online today.
What is hypertension?
As your blood pumps through your blood vessels, essential pressure keeps your blood circulating. However, if the pressure becomes too strong, it can damage your arteries, vessels, and veins throughout your body.
A normal reading for healthy blood pressure is anything below 120/80 mg/Hg. When your numbers go higher and stay there consistently, you have hypertension.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is also known as the silent killer because sometimes you don’t have symptoms until you experience a severe health issue that might include a heart attack or stroke. That’s why you should have your blood pressure monitored regularly by your medical experts at Pax Internal Medicine Associates.
What causes hypertension?
You can have a genetic predisposition to hypertension, but it more typically comes from unhealthy behaviors that include:
- Smoking
- High-fat diet
- Obesity or being overweight
- Too much salt
- Lack of exercise
- Alcohol abuse
- Stress
- Family history of hypertension
- Aging
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and hormone imbalances can also lead to hypertension.
How is hypertension diagnosed?
When you visit Pax Internal Medicine Associates, Dr. Amanambu and the team provide routine blood pressure screenings with an inflatable cuff and stethoscope. If you have a high reading or an increase since your last visit, they schedule a series of blood pressure tests at different times of the day, paying attention to your reading’s consistency.
Your exam also includes checking your vital signs and having a conversation about your lifestyle habits. Your answers help Dr. Amanambu provide you with the guidance and treatment that’s right for you.
How is hypertension treated?
Dr. Amanambu and the team develop a plan to help you reduce your blood pressure. Their first line of attack is usually to recommend healthy lifestyle habits that include:
- Don’t smoke
- Eat a healthy diet
- Reduce your fat intake
- Decrease your salt intake
- Consume less alcohol, if any
- Exercise daily
Dr. Amanambu may also prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure to keep you healthy so you can live a vibrant life.
To learn more about hypertension and to have your blood pressure checked, make an appointment with the team at Pax Internal Medicine Associates. Call the office or use the online booking tool today.
