Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that occurs when there is too much pressure placed on the inside of the arterial walls. When the heartbeats, it pumps blood through the arteries to provide oxygen to tissues throughout the body. The force that the blood exerts against the walls of the arteries is known as blood pressure. Blood pressure (BP) is measured in millimeters of mercury and is recorded as two numbers: the top number measures the systolic pressure (when the heart beats) and the bottom number measures the diastolic pressure (when the heart relaxes). The cause of high blood pressure is often unknown, which is referred to as primary hypertension by healthcare professionals. Secondary high blood pressure is caused by another condition, often one that affects the kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system. There are also factors that contribute to high blood pressure, including the following:

– Age (blood pressure usually increases with age)
– Diet
– Excessive consumption of alcohol
– Lack of exercise
– Obesity
– Stress
– Sleep apnea

Primary hypertension can result from multiple factors:

– Blood plasma volume
– Hormone activity
– Environmental factors, including stress and diet
– Secondary hypertension may be caused by:
– Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
– Diabetes, from kidney problems and nerve damage
– Kidney disease
– Pheochromocytoma (rare cancer of an adrenal gland)
– Cushing syndrome (caused by corticosteroid drugs)
– Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
– Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid gland
– Hyperparathyroidism (affects calcium and phosphorous levels)
– Pregnancy
– Sleep apnea
– Obesity

The best and most effective way to diagnose hypertension is to measure blood pressure, such as with a sphygmomanometer. Nearly everyone has undergone this test, which works by inserting an arm into a cuff, which then fills up with air and measures blood pressure. These noninvasive tests are quick and painless and have helped countless millions determine their blood pressure. These tests measure the systolic range and diastolic range, which are the pressures exerted on the arterial walls when the heart is active (pumping) and at rest (between pumps), respectively.

The treatment for high blood pressure varies from patient to patient and is dependent upon a number of factors, including the severity of the condition, the age of the patient if any underlying conditions are present if other treatments have failed to provide relief and how the patient responds to treatment. The treatment for hypertension may include lifestyle changes, such as:

– Eating a healthy diet with less salt
– Getting regular physical activity
– Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight
– Limiting the amount of alcohol consumption

However, sometimes lifestyle changes are not enough on their own when treating hypertension. In these cases, medications may be prescribed to help manage blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, come to Avant Medical Group for treatment you can trust. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating hypertension and can help you better manage your condition to live a better quality of life. To book an appointment for hypertension treatment, call our office today or visit our clinic conveniently located at 233 Broadway Suite 2750, New York, NY 10279. Our office is open eight hours a day, five days a week: Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We serve patients from New York NY, Brooklyn NY, Manhattan NY, Harlem NY, and Greenwich Village NY. We look forward to serving you!