High Blood Pressure Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure means the blood force on your blood vessel walls is too high. An overburdened circulatory system puts you at risk for serious health problems, including heart failure, heart attack, and stroke. High blood pressure can cause death if untreated. 

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

Your blood pressure reading has two numbers, for example, 119/78 mm Hg. The top number, the systolic blood pressure, measures blood pressure when your heart contracts (during heartbeats). The bottom number, the diastolic blood pressure, measures blood pressure when your heart isn't beating.

The team at Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., checks your blood pressure in the office using a cuff or other device. They may diagnose high blood pressure if you average 140/90 mm Hg in the office or 130/80 mm Hg at home, as per the American Academy of Family Physicians guidelines. 

How is high blood pressure treated?

Initial treatment for high blood pressure without comorbidities (other diseases, such as diabetes) usually includes lifestyle changes. The team can help you make diet changes, including incorporating a successful plant-based diet or natural supplements, to help decrease your high blood pressure. Stopping smoking and increasing exercise can also help.

If you continue to have high blood pressure, even after lifestyle changes, you may need medication. Common types of blood pressure medications include diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers.

What should my target blood pressure be?

After making lifestyle changes and, if necessary, taking medication, you should have significantly lower blood pressure. The team can give you a specific blood pressure target based on your situation. 

In general, for patients younger than 65, the three-month goal is blood pressure less than 140/90 mm Hg, with the next goal being blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg.

Although optimal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg, this may not be attainable for everyone. The Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., team helps you set realistic health goals based upon your age, unique situation, and medical needs. 

If you're worried that high blood pressure could end your life too early, you can take control and stop stressing. Call the Valdosta Family Medicine Associates, P.C., office, or click the online appointment scheduler.