Hypertension

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a long-term health problem in which the pressure of blood against blood vessel walls is too high. Your blood pressure measures the force of blood as it flows through your arteries when your heart is contracting (during the heartbeat) and relaxing (in between the heartbeat). It’s normal for your blood pressure to fluctuate throughout the day, increasing when you’re exercising and decreasing when you’re relaxing. Stress also raises blood pressure, and many people have higher blood pressure readings when they visit their primary care provider because of anxiety. Your provider may check your blood pressure a few times during a visit and only diagnose you with hypertension if your blood pressure readings are higher than normal on at least three separate office visits.

What is the connection between hypertension and heart health?

Having hypertension increases your risk of heart attack or stroke. When your blood pushes too hard on your blood vessels, it causes the walls to thicken and stiffen, making them less flexible. Your heart must pump harder to circulate blood. The increase in cardiac workload taxes the heart muscle, leading to health problems such as congestive heart failure (CHF) and coronary artery disease (CAD).

When should I see a cardiologist for hypertension?

You should visit the experts at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute for a cardiology consult if you have uncontrolled hypertension, a co-occurring cardiovascular condition like high cholesterol, or you want to improve your blood pressure to prevent heart problems. The team conducts thorough evaluations to create an effective plan for managing your high blood pressure that provides the best outcomes. They review your medical and family history, perform a physical exam, and run diagnostic tests to evaluate your heart health. Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute is a state-of-the-art cardiology practice and uses cutting-edge diagnostic tools to fully understand your cardiovascular health and risks.

What can I do to lower my blood pressure?

The specialists at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute customize your hypertension care plan based on your blood pressure readings, related health complications, and personal goals. They provide lifestyle counseling that can help you lower your high blood pressure, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and finding healthy ways to reduce stress. Your provider at Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute may also develop a medication therapy plan to help keep your blood pressure under control. They also provide expert care for any related cardiovascular problem. For expert hypertension management from an experienced team, call Florida Heart, Vein and Vascular Institute or book an appointment online today.