Hypertension Specialist
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Westmed Family Healthcare
Family Physicians located in Westminster, CO
One out of every five Americans is unaware they have high blood pressure or hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Westminster, Colorado, the friendly physicians at Westmed Family Healthcare can help you protect and improve your heart health and regulate your blood pressure with effective treatments. The Westmed Family Healthcare specialists offer preventive screenings, checkups, education, and medications to help you take care of one of your most important organs — your heart. Call or click to book your appointment today.
Hypertension Q & A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the long-term force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is too high. If the force continues in this way, it could lead to complications like heart disease.
Your blood pressure is measured and determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to the blood flow there is in your arteries. If you have high blood pressure, this usually means you have narrowed arteries and your heart is pumping excess blood.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Symptoms of hypertension include:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
Since there aren’t always clear symptoms, many people have high blood pressure without knowing it.
What causes hypertension?
There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary.
Primary Hypertension
Primary hypertension occurs over many years and doesn’t have a definitive cause.
Secondary Hypertension
Secondary hypertension develops due to an underlying condition and can occur suddenly. Factors that can play a role in secondary hypertension include:
- Thyroid disorders
- Kidney complications
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Chronic alcohol abuse
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Illegal drugs, such as amphetamines
- Medications, such as cold remedies, prescription drugs, and birth control pills
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Many factors can contribute to hypertension, including:
- Aging
- Stress
- Obesity
- Inactivity
- Tobacco use
- Family history
- Mineral and vitamin deficiencies
- Certain chronic health conditions
If it isn’t managed properly, hypertension can lead to complications, such as heart failure and memory loss. Other complications can include:
- An aneurysm
- Eye complications
- Cognitive problems
- Metabolic syndrome
- Damage to the blood vessels and heart
What are the treatments for hypertension?
Your Westmed Family Healthcare physician will evaluate your medical history, perform a physical exam, check your blood pressure, and recommend additional testing if necessary.
As part of treatment, your doctor may discuss incorporating healthy lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and a balanced diet. They may also recommend that you limit your alcohol intake, quit smoking, maintain a healthy weight, and engage in stress management.
There are many effective medications available to help regulate your blood pressure and keep your heart as safe as possible. Your provider will give you valuable information on how to take care of your heart.
If you have high blood pressure or concerns about your heart health, click or call today to book an appointment with Westmed Family Healthcare.
