Hypertension Care & Treatment

What We Treat

Clancy Medical Group tests blood pressure and provides counseling on hypertension treatment , including diet and exercise recommendations designed to lower your blood pressure and the risk of hypertension. Typically, patients with high blood pressure are under close supervision, to see if lifestyle changes reduce blood pressure. We use your medical history and conduct a physical before diagnosing hypertension.

Important Hypertension Facts

Commonly referred to as high blood pressure, hypertension is a patient’s blood pressure exceeding 140/90. Blood pressure measures the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels. A diagnosis of pre-hypertension occurs when the systolic measure ranges between 120 and 139 or the diastolic ranges between 80 and 89. Blood pressure readings in the 180/110 range are dangerously high. If three separate tests, with a two-minute rest between each, reveal the same reading, seek medical treatment immediately.

A number of factors may cause brief spikes in blood pressure, including stress, pain, and excitement. This is why most medical professionals take more than one reading.

Hypertension risk increases with age, due to arteries becoming narrower and even stiff thanks to plaque buildup. High blood pressure indicates risk of heart disease, especially in adults over 50. Of course, anyone may have high blood pressure, especially if he or she has an inactive lifestyle, eats a diet high in fat and sodium, or uses alcohol or tobacco.

Weight also plays a role in hypertension risk, as obesity often leads to high blood pressure. Race, too, plays a role, as African Americans have higher rates of hypertension than Caucasians or Hispanics.

Hypertension is the “silent killer” because it has no direct symptoms, yet causes a wide variety of health issues, including aneurysm, heart failure, heart attack, and vision problems including blindness.

Why Should I Choose Clancy Medical Group for Hypertension?

The team at Clancy Medical Group looks for the root causes of hypertension, rather than simply medicating the issue (though, if your blood pressure is high, medication is likely, as the risks of high blood pressure are severe). Even after prescribing medication to lower blood pressure, we continue treating the underlying cause, which may stem from a wide range of treatable issues.

For example, if obesity is the main cause of your hypertension, we will help you design a diet and exercise plan to improve your overall health, including your high blood pressure. Our holistic approach tackles the root of your health issues to help you achieve overall wellness.

Hypertension Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hypertension?
High blood pressure has a number of causes, including poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, and drinking to excess. Age and genetics also play a role in blood pressure.
Some medications cause high blood pressure. These include birth control pills, corticosteroids, hormones, and even OTC medications such as cold medicine and appetite suppressants.

How do you measure blood pressure?
Medical professionals measure blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer. The device includes an arm cuff, dial, pump, valve, and stethoscope. The reading includes two numbers, such as 120/80 (normal blood pressure). The first number is the systolic reading, which measures when the heart contracts. The second is the diastolic pressure, when the heart relaxes.

Does high blood pressure cause any health problems?
Yes, high blood pressure leads to numerous serious illnesses. Atherosclerosis, which leads to heart attack and stroke, is the build-up of plaque on blood vessel walls. Hypertension exacerbates this by placing added stress on artery walls.
Eye disease occurs when high blood pressure damages the tiny vessels in the retina. Kidney disease happens when hypertension damages blood vessels and filters, causing kidneys to malfunction when excreting waste products.
Heart disease, including heart failure, occurs when the heart no longer adequately pumps blood. Patients also have heightened risk of stroke due to blood clots and weakened blood vessel walls.

Is hypertension treatable?
Yes. In addition to drug therapy, lifestyle changes make a big difference in blood pressure. A healthy diet low in sodium and fats improves heart health and helps patients lose weight. Exercise, too, helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure (ask your doctor to recommend a safe exercise regimen if you were diagnosed with hypertension). Finally, quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake to one or two drinks per day reduces blood pressure.

Does blood pressure medication have side effects?
Nearly all medications have side effects. With blood pressure medication, you may experience dizziness if your blood pressure becomes too low. Some prescriptions also work as diuretics, increasing your need to urinate and possibly lowering potassium levels. Others may cause constipation and swelling of extremities, decrease sex drive, or cause drowsiness. Discuss possible side effects with your doctor. Sometimes, a simple change in prescription alleviates side effects.