High Blood Pressure Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a largely symptomless condition that can have harmful long-term effects on your cardiovascular health. Your family doctor at Raritan Family Healthcare checks your blood pressure, which is one of your vital signs, near the beginning of your visits. They can tell you if it’s high and what you need to do to manage it. 

Very severe cases of high blood pressure can start to cause symptoms of concern. It’s possible to experience:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Flushing
• Blood spots in the eyes

Symptoms like these indicate dangerously high blood pressure, and you should see a doctor right away if you have them. However, the best way to track your blood pressure and find out when it’s getting high is to get regular readings from your providers at Raritan Family Healthcare. 

What causes high blood pressure?

The team at Raritan Family Healthcare helps you explore the possible causes and contributing factors of your high blood pressure. There are two distinct types of high blood pressure, and your diagnosis gives insight into the causes of your condition. Raritan Family Healthcare diagnoses and treats:

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension is high blood pressure with no identifiable cause that develops over the course of many years. A combination of factors likely contributes to this type, including genes, age, a sedentary lifestyle, and high sodium intake. 

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that comes as the direct result of another condition. Some of the most prevalent conditions that can lead to high blood pressure are kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, alcoholism, and the use of certain medications.  

How can I control my high blood pressure?

Controlling your high blood pressure requires careful management by expert physicians. At Raritan Family Healthcare, your providers tailor your care plan with consideration to the cause or causes of your high blood pressure.

For primary hypertension, lifestyle changes alone are usually enough to lower your blood pressure to manageable levels. Getting more exercise, being mindful of your diet, and managing stress can all help decrease your blood pressure. 

For secondary hypertension, treating the underlying disease or disorder helps lower your blood pressure. Your provider can plan or change your treatment at any time while keeping a close eye on your blood pressure readings. 

Medications are also available to lower your blood pressure. Beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics are all examples of what your provider may prescribe if other methods can’t effectively control your hypertension. 

If you need a blood pressure reading and would like to know more about how to prevent or control high blood pressure, call Raritan Family Healthcare or schedule an appointment online today.