High blood pressure is an all-too-common condition that threatens the health of nearly 75 million Americans. At Rana’s Family Medical Clinic in Wilburton, Oklahoma, Gerald D. Rana, Jr., DO, DPH, expertly diagnoses the underlying causes of high blood pressure, so he can prescribe effective treatments. Dr. Rana helps you make lifestyle changes that help get your blood pressure under control before it leads to serious health complications. Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke when you manage high blood pressure. Call the office or book online today.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition in which the force of your blood against artery walls is too high. Long term, this excessive force can lead to health problems like heart disease.
Dr. Rana and his dedicated health care team, measure your blood pressure based on the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance in your arteries. The harder your heart has to pump, and the narrower your arteries are, the higher your blood pressure is.
You may have high blood pressure without any symptoms. Unless you get it checked regularly, you may not be aware of any damage your blood pressure is causing. If your blood pressure becomes severe, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
These signs usually occur when your blood pressure has already reached a dangerous level. Seek immediate medical attention as your life is in danger.
There are two types of high blood pressure: primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension develops over time and has no identifiable cause. Your genes, physical changes within your body, and environmental factors, such as diet and lifestyle, can lead to primary hypertension. Most Americans suffer from primary hypertension.
Secondary hypertension occurs quickly as a result of another health condition and can quickly escalate into a serious situation. Secondary hypertension may come from:
Primary high blood pressure is easy to diagnose with a simple, in-office blood pressure test as part of your routine health exam or yearly physical.
Your lifestyle, heredity, and diet may put you at risk of developing high blood pressure as you age, but you can take steps to prevent it or keep it under control. If you’re at risk, Dr, Rana may recommend taking the following steps to help prevent your blood pressure from becoming elevated beyond the safe range of 120 (systolic pressure) over 80 (diastolic pressure):
If diet and lifestyle changes aren’t enough to prevent high blood pressure due to hereditary factors or other underlying health conditions, Dr. Rana may recommend medications that lower your blood pressure.
Get your blood pressure checked as soon as possible. Schedule an appointment online today, or call Rana’s Family Medical Clinic.
