High Blood Pressure Treatment

Failing to treat high blood pressure could lead to a heart attack or other crisis — but it doesn’t have to get to that point.  At Advantage Primary Care in Richmond, Virginia,  the team of dedicated providers practice patient-centered medicine. High blood pressure treatment is carefully customized for you, and you can always rely on the practice for help when you need it. Book your appointment online or call the office today. 

What is high blood pressure?

As your heart pumps blood through your arteries, the blood may put too much pressure on the artery walls — a condition called hypertension or high blood pressure. 

Blood pressure readings have two numbers, systolic (the first number) and diastolic (the second). Systolic blood pressure is artery pressure during heartbeats, and diastolic blood pressure is artery pressure between heartbeats. 

A normal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic (less than 120/80 mmHg). Elevated blood pressure is 120-129 systolic and 80-89 diastolic. 

The team diagnoses high blood pressure when you have a reading of 130/80 mmHg or greater on at least a few occasions.

What are the dangers of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can lead to complications including:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Kidney damage
• Vision loss
• Vascular dementia

The longer that blood pressure remains high, the more damage it can cause. Fortunately, it improves quickly with medical intervention.  

What is high blood pressure treatment?

High blood pressure treatment is medical care focused on reducing your blood pressure and minimizing the damaging effects that high blood pressure can have on your body. As with all chronic diseases, early treatment is best. 

What does high blood pressure treatment involve?

High blood pressure treatment usually involves: 

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes are important for everyone with high blood pressure, including measures like weight loss, exercise plans, quitting smoking, and stress reduction. 

A heart healthy diet focusing on whole grains, healthy proteins, fruits, veggies, and reduced-fat dairy products is also important. The diet minimizes sodium intake, processed foods, and foods with added sugars.

In some cases, the team may recommend dietary supplements to help you get enough essential vitamins and nutrients. 

Medication

Lifestyle changes may often be enough to manage your blood pressure. However, if you still have high blood pressure after making healthy habit changes, you could need blood pressure medication. 

Blood pressure medications can relax your blood vessels, help your heart beat less forcefully, flush water from your body, or affect your body in other ways to reduce blood pressure. The team can determine the ideal medication for you, but it’s important to continue practicing healthy habits even when taking medication.

High blood pressure treatment can save your life, so it’s important to start now. Call Advantage Primary Care or book your appointment online today.