Blood Pressure Specialist
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Westridge Family Clinic, P. A.
Board Certified Family Medicine Physician located in Laurel, MS
If you have high blood pressure, you’re also more likely to experience a cardiovascular event like a heart attack or a stroke. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and treatment, you can manage high blood pressure and prevent it from getting worse. At Westridge Family Clinic, board-certified family medicine physician Christopher Mauldin, MD, and the team boast years of experience treating high blood pressure. To schedule an appointment at the practice in Laurel, Mississippi, call the office today or click the online booking feature.
Blood Pressure Q & A
What is blood pressure?
Blood pressure measures the force of your blood pumping against the walls of your arteries. Everyone’s blood pressure fluctuates, but if yours is consistently too high, it increases the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease.
High blood pressure doesn’t present any symptoms, so you might be at risk and not realize it. As a result, it’s important to visit the doctor at least once a year. Routine blood pressure checks can help you keep your heart healthy for years to come.
What are the types of high blood pressure?
The team at Westridge Family Clinic treats several types of blood pressure, including:
Primary high blood pressure
Primary high blood pressure occurs gradually over an extended period. Experts aren’t sure why primary high blood pressure develops, but the natural aging process may play a role.
Secondary high blood pressure
Secondary high blood pressure occurs due to another health condition. For example, you might develop secondary high blood pressure if you’re living with diabetes, kidney disease, or liver disease.
When should I have my blood pressure checked?
The team at Westridge Family Clinic recommends getting your blood pressure checked every two years starting at age 18. If you’re 40 or older, or you have a family history of heart disease, more frequent check-ups might be necessary.
Who is at risk of high blood pressure?
Several factors can increase your risk of high blood pressure, including:
- Weight issues
- Not exercising
- Eating a poor diet
- Eating too much salt
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Stress
You’re also more likely to experience high blood pressure if you have any underlying medical issues like sleep apnea or kidney disease.
How is blood pressure measured?
To measure blood pressure, your Westridge Family Clinic provider wraps an inflatable cuff around your arm. The cuff is attached to a pressure-measuring gauge.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters over mercury (mm/Hg). Any reading of 120/80 mm/Hg or below is considered normal. If your reading is higher, it means you have high blood pressure.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Treatment of high blood pressure depends on several factors, including your age and medical history. Usually, the team at Westridge Family Clinic recommends healthy lifestyle changes, like exercising more, losing weight, and eating a healthy diet.
If these measures don’t lower your blood pressure, you might benefit from prescription medication. There are several medicines used to treat high blood pressure, including diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and calcium channel blockers.
To receive treatment for high blood pressure, make an appointment at Westridge Family Clinic by calling the office today or clicking the online booking feature.
