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Hypertension

Partridge Comprehensive Health Services Inc.

Evelyn Partridge, DO

Board Certified Family Medicine located in Philadelphia, PA

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, can be dangerous; but if it is detected early, it's manageable. If you have hypertension, Dr. Evelyn Partridge and the team at Partridge Comprehensive Health Services will establish a personal hypertension management program just for you. You'll receive a regimen of diet, exercise, and medications that fit your unique needs. Contact Partridge Comprehensive Health Services to make an appointment to have your blood pressure checked.

Hypertension Q & A

What is hypertension?

Two different forces determine your blood pressure: Blood pushing against your artery walls right after your heart beats, and blood pushing against your artery walls when your heart relaxes. The first, greatest force is called systolic pressure and the second, lesser force is called diastolic pressure.

The pressure is higher in the first case and lower in the second case. Hypertension happens when both the systolic and diastolic pressures get too high. When that happens, the artery walls may not be able to handle the pressure. If the walls fail, you can suffer heart attacks, strokes, or other devastating conditions.

What causes hypertension?

In most cases, high blood pressure has no identifiable cause, and it's called primary hypertension in such cases. For some people, it's caused by some prior condition. High blood pressure is called secondary hypertension in that case.

Secondary hypertension often appears quite suddenly, and when it does the blood pressure is usually higher than it is with primary hypertension.

Some factors may correlate with hypertension. Among the risk factors are:

  • Age
  • Race
  • Family history
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Tobacco use
  • Too much salt (sodium) in your diet
  • Excessive drinking
  • Stress

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

One of the unfortunate aspects of hypertension is that you rarely experience any notable symptoms. Even if your blood pressure reaches dangerous levels, symptoms are rare. The first sign of hypertension may be a stroke or heart attack.

Regular blood pressure checks are the best way to detect hypertension early. That's why Dr. Partridge checks your blood pressure each time you see her. You can also check your blood pressure on your own with a home blood pressure monitor or at many stores that have blood pressure-measuring machines.

How can hypertension be treated or managed?

There are many medications that lower blood pressure. Other methods used to treat or manage hypertension include lifestyle and diet changes.

If you live in the Philadelphia area, contact Partridge Comprehensive Health Services today and make an appointment to assess your hypertension and receive a customized treatment plan.