High blood pressure, also called Hypertension, is more common than one may think. Many people who have hypertension may not even know that they have a problem until seeing their physician for an annual checkup. Hypertension is a very common medical problem which most patients can learn to manage with some healthy lifestyle changes along with medications if needed.
High blood pressure readings over 140/90, taken on 3 different occasions is typically how physicians diagnose hypertension. A patient’s age and underlying medical problems such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease also play a factor in the diagnosis.
Physicians Regional Medical Group’s newest board-certified internal medicine physician, Betty Kupracz, M.D., commonly sees patients with hypertension. Dr. Kupracz offers preventative medicine including complete physical exams and wellness visits. She also treats many conditions, one of which is high blood pressure.
“Many of my patients have hypertension and don’t even realize it as it can be silent,” Dr. Kupracz states, “Most will say ‘But, I feel fine, doc!’ However, it’s important to recognize that eventually hypertension can lead to much bigger issues.”
Complications of hypertension include stroke, heart attacks as well as kidney damage, vision loss, memory loss and erectile dysfunction. This is why it’s important to see your primary care physician at least once a year for a physical or a wellness visit.
The most common causes of high blood pressure which we can control, unlike family history and genetics, are behaviors to modify as part of a healthy lifestyle.
These causes are usually a lack of exercise leading to being overweight or obese, dietary indiscretions with salty and fatty foods, as well as overindulgent alcohol intake. Smoking is also a big factor causing hypertension, along with many other diseases such as lung disease/cancer, vascular disease and osteoporosis.
“Two very important causes of hypertension which many seem to overlook are daily stress and sleep apnea,” Dr. Kupracz warns. Being more mindful and aware of your daily habits can ultimately have a huge impact on your overall health.
To start your road to good health and prevention of hypertension, here are some tips Dr. Kupracz recommends:
● Try a DASH diet: eat foods rich in potassium, magnesium with increased dietary fruits/vegetables/nuts; reduce or remove salt, refined sugar and fatty foods from your diet
● Eat lean protein such as fish and poultry, minimize red meats to once a week
● Increase your physical activity as tolerated, building up to moderate exercise 3 to 4 times a week, for 30-40 minutes.
● Decrease or stop alcohol intake
● Decrease daily caffeine
● Stop smoking
“As a physician, and a mother, I try to follow these recommendations realizing that I should be a role model for healthy living,” Dr. Kupracz states, “I try to cook healthier meals from fresh ingredients and minimize frozen foods. Our family goes out biking
in the cooler evenings as a great way to exercise during hot Florida summers. We spend time laughing and enjoying one another, knowing that this is a wonderful way to relieve stress. I encourage everyone to make a few changes and see what an impact it can have on their health!”
You can find Dr. Kupracz at Physicians Regional Medical Group – Pine Ridge Medical Office Building, 6376 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34119. Request an appointment at (239) 348-4221 or PhysiciansRegionalMedicalGroup.com. Ask about same-day appointments.