Frequently Asked Questions about Hypertension
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. The condition is often called the “silent killer” because it can produce little to no signs or symptoms, and yet chronic high blood pressure can cause heart damage which can kill you. Your cardiologist can help you manage your blood pressure, so you can stay healthy. Dr. Zaki Lababidi and Dr. Khaled Albasha at Gilbert Cardiology in Gilbert, AZ, provides a full range of cardiology services, including diagnosis and treatment of hypertension, or high blood pressure.
If you are wondering about hypertension, you need to know the facts. These are some of the most common questions about hypertension:
What Is Hypertension?
Your blood pressure is a measurement of blood flowing through your arteries. A normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is about 120/80. When the blood flow is reduced or blocked by resistance, your blood pressure increases, resulting in hypertension.
What Causes Hypertension?
Hypertension is caused by fatty plaque buildup on the walls of your arteries, causing the arteries to narrow. When blood passes through a narrow artery, blood pressure climbs. The fatty plaque buildup can be caused by high levels of cholesterol in your blood.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypertension?
In addition to a high blood pressure reading, hypertension can cause some mild signs and symptoms which may be difficult to notice, including:
- Dizziness
- Facial flushing
- Blood spots in your eyes
- Mild chest discomfort
Can I Prevent Hypertension?
Hypertension can be the result of genetics and family history, which you can’t do anything about. However, there are a lot of steps you can take to help prevent hypertension. You should:
- Avoid tobacco use and limit alcohol consumption
- Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes on most days of the week
- Limit your salt and caffeine intake
- Eat lean meats like fish and poultry, and avoid red meat
- Eat natural foods when you can and avoid fried, greasy, or fast food
- Eat complex carbohydrates like grains and vegetables, instead of simple carbohydrates like sugars
- Eat low fat or nonfat dairy products, instead of full fat dairy products
- Practice stress management techniques
- Check your blood pressure regularly
Want To Know More?
To find out more about prevention, causes, management, and treatment of hypertension or high blood pressure, call Dr. Zaki Lababidi and Dr. Khaled Albasha at Gilbert Cardiology in Gilbert, AZ. You can reach them in the office by calling (480) 786-9100, so call today.