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Q&A with Nathan Payne, PA-C: Prevention and Treatment of Hypertension

Hypertension

1. What is hypertension or high blood pressure?

Hypertension (hyper = high / tension = state of being stretched tight) is a condition in which certain blood vessels (usually arteries) are under too much pressure or strain. Arteries carry blood from the heart to other organs in the body. Hypertension is also referred to as “systemic arterial resistance”. Having a blood pressure greater than 120/80 increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, kidney failure, and other cardiovascular risk factors.

2. What are the reasons for developing high blood pressure?

There are many causes of hypertension, but the most common cause is diseased arteries from atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is caused by elevated cholesterol levels, unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle. Certain populations are also at risk for developing high blood pressure; risk factors include male gender, African American, age over 50.

3. What heath problems are associated with Hypertension?

Hypertension is associated with many health problems including heart attack, stroke, cardiomyopathy, kidney failure, vision loss, memory loss, dementia, and death.

4. How do I know if I have high blood pressure or hypertension?

Most people do not have symptoms caused by hypertension for many years, which is why this disease can be so dangerous – it can go undetected for a lifetime. Annual screenings with a healthcare provider ensures proper screenings for hypertension. A blood pressure cuff will be applied to one arm and the cuff will be inflated with air. If a machine is calculating the blood pressure, a number will appear indicating the blood pressure reading. If the pressure is being checked manually, a healthcare provider will place a stethoscope over the brachial artery and listen to determine the blood pressure reading.

5. What lifestyle changes can I make to improve my hypertension condition in my diet and exercise?

For most people, a diet to reduce hypertension or the risk of hypertension should be a well balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, water and should be low in salts and sweets. Staying well hydrated and reducing salt (sodium) intake will reduce the risk of developing blood pressure. All people who are able, should have at least 30 minutes of sustained aerobic exercise to reduce all cardiovascular disease risk, not just high blood pressure.

6. Are there drugs that can cause high blood pressure?

Most prescription medications that can cause an increase in blood pressure are given intentionally in a hospital setting. Caffeine can also raise blood pressure in some individuals. Ask your healthcare provider if any medications you are taking can cause an increase in blood pressure.

7. How does Phoenix Family Medical Clinic test for hypertension? Does your clinic do EKGs in the office?

Our office screens every patient during every visit using a blood pressure cuff. All abnormal readings are reported to physician right away. An EKG may also be performed in our office to look for any heart problems that can be caused by prolonged hypertension. All patients with chronic hypertension are given a treatment plan and follow up schedule is discussed sat every visit.

8. How does Phoenix Family Medical Clinic treat patients with hypertension?

Depending on the blood pressure level and presentation of symptoms, a patient will be treated with lifestyle modification (diet and exercise), and/or 1 or more blood pressure lowering medications. Most people can achieve a healthy blood pressure simply by eating healthy and exercising regularly and regular monitoring.

9. Does Phoenix Family Medical Clinic provide a holistic approach with medication, nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve overall heart health including hypertension?

For most people, the cause of high blood pressure has everything to do with lifestyle. Those who eat diets high in fats and sugars and do not exercise will often develop hypertension. Most often, the best treatment of high blood pressure is eating healthy, exercising regularly, and meeting often with your healthcare provider.