If you are reading this in the United States, chances are you either have hypertension or know someone who does. If so, you might be wondering what this condition means for your health – or how to avoid it, or treat it if avoidance is out of the question.
Here’s what you need to know about the condition, as well as your options for Chicago hypertension treatment:
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension is also known as high blood pressure. This condition is an increasingly common one that impacts nearly fifty percent of all adults in the United States. As a result, this condition is widely treated by medical providers – but puzzlingly not as well understood by patients.
There are many factors that contribute to high blood pressure. Age is the most common, as your risk for high blood pressure increases as you get older. However, stress, poor diet, lifestyle choices, and certain medications can also increase your risk.
How Can You Tell if You Have Hypertension?
Almost everyone experiences occasional spikes in blood pressure. Generally, these are related to stress, medication, or other issues. However, if you experience sustained elevation to your blood pressure, you likely have hypertension.
Ask your healthcare provider to check your blood pressure at your next visit, and be sure to tell them if you frequently experience:
- Tightness in your chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fluttering in your chest
- Anxiety
- Headaches, or other factors that might lead you to believe your blood pressure is high.
They can determine whether you may have hypertension and need treatment.
How is Hypertension Treated?
There are numerous approaches to hypertension treatment. In most cases, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes will be employed. In some instances, you may also need prescription medication or additional supplements. Be sure to check with your healthcare provider before adding any supplements to your diet or making any dramatic changes on your own, since this may actually put you at greater risk if not done properly.
Hypertension can be scary, but it is incredibly common and treatable. If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms or have concerns, be sure to voice them with Business name.
