Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Dr. Aneley Yegezu Hundae, M.D., FACC
Blood pressure is the pressure of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. Arteries carry blood from your heart to other parts of your body. Your blood pressure normally rises and falls throughout the day. When it is high, it is called hypertension. Hypertension is dangerous because it can damage your heart and cause health problems if it stays high for long periods of time.
High blood pressure can lead to serious complications and increase the risk of heart disease or stroke, as well as other cardiovascular diseases. Almost half of adults in America have hypertension, many without even knowing it. Managing blood pressure should be a primary concern for preserving one’s health and reducing the risk of serious heart-related complications.
In 2017, the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association published new guidelines for hypertension management and defined hypertension as a blood pressure at or above 130/80 mmHg. Stage 2 hypertension is defined as a blood pressure at or above 140/90 mmHg.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of all adults in the United States have hypertension. Only about 1 in 4 of them have their condition under control. What’s worse, more than 670,000 deaths in the US listed hypertension as a primary cause of death or a contributing cause. (1)
Symptoms of hypertension
Looking at the above statistics can make you wonder why so many people are unaware of their condition and why those who know don’t bother to get it under control. The main reason is likely the fact that hypertension often has no symptoms. It is possible to have high blood pressure for years without even having the slightest notion. Some people may experience headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds, but most people show no signs at all. It is VITAL to check your blood pressure regularly.
Causes of hypertension
It is often unclear what the cause of hypertension is as it is usually a result of an underlying condition. When it is not caused by another condition, hypertension is known as primary or essential hypertension. If an underlying condition is the cause of high blood pressure, it is called secondary hypertension.
Primary or essential hypertension can result from multiple factors, such as:
• Obesity
• Insulin resistance
• High salt intake
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
Health problems that can cause secondary hypertension include:
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal artery stenosis
• Pregnancy (not a helth problem, but a cause of hypertension)
• Sleep apnea
• Pheochromocytoma (a type of cancer)
• Hyperaldosteronism
Treatment of hypertension
Lifestyle modifications are the first suggestions that doctors will make when hypertension is detected. Some of those may include:
1. Physical activity is important for everyone, but especially for those trying to lower their blood pressure. It is recommended that adults get 150 minutes of aerobic during the week. This can be in the form of a brisk walk, jogging, swimming, or an aerobics class at your local gym.
2. Reducing your stress level is important.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Reduce your alcohol intake.
5. Reduce salt intake.
6. Eat more fruits and vegetables and less fat.
7. Lose weight if you are overweight.
When to see a doctor
At each doctor visit, have your blood pressure checked. That is usually standard practice, but if it is not taken, ask that it be done. If you happen to be healthy and don’t visit the doctor often, be sure to monitor it on your own. There are machines in most pharmacies or you can buy a small machine and check it yourself at home. It is important to get an accurate reading so talk to your health care provider about the proper use of machines.
If you see that your blood pressure is high, make an appointment sooner rather than later. Talk to your doctor about what steps you should take in order to lower it. Though lifestyle modifications are usually effective, some people will need to take medications. Your doctor will work with you to get it under control.
Dr. Aneley Yegezu Hundae, M.D., FACC
invasive cardiology and advanced heart failure management
Dr. Hundae received his Premedical and Doctor of Medicine Degree from Jimma University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal medicine Residency at Mercer University School of Medicine. His Heart Failure/Heart Transplant fellowship at the University of Miami Cardiovascular Fellowship Program. Cardiovascular fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center.
Board certifications
• Cardiology
• Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Comprehensive Echocardiography
• Internal Medicine
Port Charlotte Cardiology
3161 Harbor Blvd, Suite A, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
(941) 235-8892
www.portcharlottecardiology.com
