High Blood Pressure

Are high blood pressure and hypertension the same?

Yes. High blood pressure and hypertension refer to the same thing. If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pumping through your arteries remains higher than average, making your heart work harder. The harder your heart has to work, the more likely you are to develop cardiovascular problems.

Is there more than one type of high blood pressure?

The Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic team treats both types of high blood pressure:

Primary hypertension (high blood pressure)

This type of high blood pressure develops slowly throughout your life. It’s often the result of lifestyle factors, like poor diet and lack of exercise. 

Secondary hypertension (high blood pressure)

This type of high blood pressure is caused by an underlying health problem, like kidney disease or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It develops more quickly than primary hypertension and is typically more severe.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure rarely presents symptoms, which is why it’s called “the silent killer.” The only way to know if you’re at risk is to undergo routine screenings. The Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic team recommends that everyone undergo blood pressure screening at least once annually. When caught early, it’s easier to treat.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

Your Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic provider checks your blood pressure with a blood pressure monitor, which has an inflatable cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge.

Normal, healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or lower. Any higher reading indicates elevated blood pressure and increases your risk of heart disease. Because blood pressure fluctuates throughout the day, your provider takes several blood pressure readings before confirming your diagnosis.

How is high blood pressure treated?

The Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic team treats high blood pressure using a conservative and integrative approach. They could suggest:

• Eating a heart-healthy diet 
• Reducing salt intake
• Reducing alcohol consumption
• Quitting smoking
• Weight loss
• Getting plenty of sleep
• Managing stress
• Exercising regularly

Most people with high blood pressure benefit from a combination of treatments. Your provider monitors your blood pressure at routine checkups and adjusts your care plan when needed. 

If your blood pressure remains high, even after making healthy lifestyle changes, the team might prescribe medication. Several drugs, including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and calcium channel blockers, can manage high blood pressure.

Call Dickinson Family Medicine Clinic to schedule high blood pressure treatment, or book your appointment online today.