High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is an epidemic affecting nearly one in two Americans. At Crown Clinic PA in Charlotte, the Historic South End of North Carolina, experienced physician Obinna Oriaku, MD, can help diagnose your high blood pressure and lower it before it causes any major damage to your cardiovascular system. To understand more about high blood pressure, call the office today or book your appointment online.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure exerted on your blood vessels is higher than it should be. This common and dangerous condition is also called the “silent killer,” because it often develops gradually, over a significant period of time, without symptoms or warning signs until it’s too late.
While you may not experience symptoms, you should be on alert for the following risk factors contributing to the development of high blood pressure:
If you have chronic conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or kidney problems, you’re at a greater risk for developing high blood pressure.
The most common way Dr. Oriaku and his staff perform a blood pressure test is by using a pressure cuff wrapped around your upper arm to measure the pressure inside your arteries as your heart pumps blood.
If Dr. Oriaku determines you need further examination because your high blood pressure has potentially caused damage to your heart and its blood vessels, he can offer additional testing.
One test is an electrocardiogram, commonly referred to as an ECG. An ECG measures your heart's electrical activity to see if it’s working normally. Another exam is a heart ultrasound, which gives Dr. Oriaku a detailed view of the structure of your heart and also how well it’s working.
There are specific numbers to pay attention to when checking your own blood pressure using a heart monitor. Normal blood pressure is 120/80, with the top number representing your systolic blood pressure and the bottom number of your diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is categorized as the pressure measurement being above 140/80, while a high blood pressure crisis begins at 180/120.
High blood pressure can lead to a variety of negative effects on your body such as cardiovascular disease, narrowed arteries, or kidney failure. Because of the severe consequences, it’s important to know how to prevent high blood pressure.
Dr. Oriaku recommends the following:
Do you believe you’re at risk for developing high blood pressure? If so, call Crown Clinic PA today or book your appointment online.
