High Blood Pressure

Up to 47% of American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure rarely presents symptoms but increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke. At NextHealth Care in Debary, Florida, experienced family medicine doctors Irelis Rodriguez Castro, MD; Alireza Ebneshahidi, MD; and their team specialize in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure with safe and effective measures. Call NextHealth Care today to schedule a high blood pressure checkup or book your appointment online.

Can I have high blood pressure even if I feel healthy?

Yes. High blood pressure is nicknamed the “silent killer” because it rarely presents symptoms. Routine checkups at NextHealth Care can alert you to the issue in its early stages so you can take steps to prevent it from worsening. 

What’s considered high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is measured in millimeters over mercury (mm/Hg). It features two numbers and looks like this: 120/80 mm/Hg. 

The top number (120) represents your systolic blood pressure –– or the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number (80) represents your diastolic blood pressure –– or the pressure in your arteries when your heart’s at rest.

Normal, healthy blood pressure is 120/80 mm/Hg or below. A reading of 130/80 mm/Hg or higher is considered high blood pressure and requires treatment.

Are there different types of high blood pressure?

The NextHealth Care team treats both types of high blood pressure, including:

Primary hypertension

This type of high blood pressure develops gradually as you age. There isn’t a single underlying cause. Instead, it occurs due to lifestyle factors and genetics.

Secondary hypertension

This type of high blood pressure occurs due to a health problem. It develops quickly and is typically more serious than primary hypertension. Common causes include obstructive sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and taking certain prescription drugs.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

Your NextHealth Care provider reviews your medical records, completes a physical exam, and measures your blood pressure with an inflatable arm cuff. They also order several other tests, including blood work and urinalysis to assess your thyroid and kidney function.

Depending on the severity of your high blood pressure, they might complete an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram to measure your heart’s electrical activity or to see how blood flows through your heart veins and valves.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treatment of high blood pressure depends on the severity of your readings and your risk of complications. Healthy lifestyle changes, like exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and cutting back on alcohol, are often enough to make a significant improvement.

If your blood pressure remains high even after these changes, the NextHealth Care team might prescribe:

• Water pills
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha blockers
• Beta blockers

Call NextHealth Care today to schedule treatment for high blood pressure or book your appointment online.