Control Your High Blood Pressure on the Central Coast

One in three Americans are diagnosed every day with a cardiovascular condition called hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. These terms are so common, yet you may not know the definition of hypertension.

The systolic (upper) number measures the pressure at which your heart beats. A normal reading is under 120. The diastolic (lower) number measures the pressure in your heart at rest. This reading should be less than 80.

A Dignity Health Central Coast heart doctor describes hypertension as high pressure inside of your blood vessels. Find a Doctor today to measure your blood pressure and discuss causes and treatment of high blood pressure on the Central Coast of California.

 

Understanding High Blood Pressure Causes & Risks

There are several factors that increase your chances of developing one of the two types of hypertension. These risk factors include:

  • African American heritage
  • Older than 60
  • Gender since men develop high blood pressure in their middle ages while women more likely develop it at an older age
  • Overweight
  • Family history

Our Dignity Health Central Coast health care providers can determine if you have primary or secondary hypertension. Primary hypertension is the most common and has no known cause. Secondary hypertension is much like its name since it is secondary to another medical condition.

 

Treatment for High Blood Pressure at Dignity Health Central Coast

There are really no symptoms for hypertension. You can go years without being diagnosed, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, and organ damage.

Treating the secondary medical condition helps to bring your hypertension back down to a normal reading. Primary hypertension is usually treated with lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and smoking.

Your Dignity Health Central Coast heart doctor may prescribe medications to help lower your blood pressure. Contact us to find out if you have high blood pressure so that you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle. 

Dignity Health award-winning cardiac care doctors can provide the treatment you need to lower your blood pressure on the Central Coast of California.