Blood Pressure Specialist
The first place you turn to when you are not feeling well, whether it be pink eye, a fever, or a nagging cough, should be Healthonomic Primary Care in Orland Park, Illinois. As your primary care physician, she can help you figure out what is wrong with you and help get you on the road to recovery. She offers annual exams, as well as both checkup and follow-up appointments. Call today or go online to make an appointment for all your medical needs.
Blood Pressure Q & A
How is blood pressure measured?
Each time you visit us, we will use a cuff to take your blood pressure. If it rises over 120/80, then the force at which your blood is pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high, and you have high blood pressure. That’s determined through a measurement of how hard it’s pumped both when the heart beats and when it is at rest.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
One reading that’s above average is not a reason to worry. However, if we take two or more blood pressure readings at three or more office visits and they are elevated, then it may be time to take further steps.
She will tell you that you have prehypertension if your numbers are between 120 and 139 for the top number or between 80 and 89 for the bottom number. If your numbers are higher than that, then she’ll diagnose you with high blood pressure. If this happens for multiple readings, then you may have hypertension.
How is high blood pressure treated?
If we tell you that you have temporary high blood pressure, prehypertension, or hypertension, then there are numerous steps that you can take to lower it without medication.
You should limit the amount of salt you eat, avoid processed foods, and increase the amount of activity you get. These steps will help you get and maintain a healthy weight, BMI, and weight circumference, all of which are factors in this disease.
However, if these interventions fail, then she may send you to the pharmacist for additional help. Medications for high blood pressure range from diuretics to different types of alpha and beta blockers.
It is essential that you stay in contact with us because many of these prescriptions have side effects and may need to be changed.
How can I prevent high blood pressure?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential. That includes increasing the number of fruits and vegetables you ingest, as well as the amount of exercise you get. You should also limit the amount of alcohol you drink, and not smoke.
It’s also vital that you get any other health conditions you may have under control, as people with hypertension often have diabetes and high cholesterol.
If you have questions about your blood pressure, call to schedule your appointment at Healthonomic Primary Care.
