Hypertension

What is hypertension?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which you have elevated blood pressure within your arteries. 

Your heart uses extra effort to circulate your blood when this happens, and this can lead to myocardial infarction (heart attack), heart failure, stroke, aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease, and other life-threatening conditions.

There are two general categories of hypertension, primary and secondary.

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension is the most common, occurring in 90-95% of all cases. If you have primary hypertension, it means there’s no obvious medical cause. But, there are often clear contributors, including obesity, smoking, and poor diet.

Secondary hypertension

The other type of hypertension is secondary hypertension; other conditions, such as kidney disease, adrenal disease, or thyroid disease, cause it.

What does my blood pressure reading mean?

Your blood pressure reading has two measurements. The first number, the systolic measurement, shows your blood pressure when your heart contracts (systole). The second number, the diastolic measurement, shows your blood pressure between heartbeats (diastole).

Normal blood pressure when you’re resting is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic, so an example of a good blood pressure reading would be 119/79. If your numbers are higher, it means you may have either elevated blood pressure or hypertension. 

• Elevated blood pressure: systolic 120-129 and diastolic less than 80
• Stage 1 hypertension: systolic 130-139 or diastolic 80-89
• Stage 2 hypertension: systolic 140 or more or diastolic 90 or more
• Hypertensive crisis: systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120

Your HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provider helps you understand your blood pressure numbers and how you can lower them to be healthy.

What treatments reduce hypertension?

Dietary and lifestyle changes can lower your blood pressure. The HeartCare Associates of Connecticut team often recommend the following.

• Losing weight if overweight or obese
• Improving nutrition
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking
• Reducing your stress level

Medical support is also very important in controlling hypertension. Your HeartCare Associates of Connecticut cardiologist monitors blood pressure changes and heart health closely. 

If dietary and lifestyle changes don’t control your blood pressure adequately, your cardiologist often prescribes medication. But, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important even if you’re taking medication.

The HeartCare Associates of Connecticut team is here to help with hypertension. Take the first step on the heart health path by booking online or calling the office located nearest you today.