Hypertension

While it doesn’t usually cause any symptoms, hypertension (high blood pressure) can lead to severe or life-threatening complications when left untreated. In the Financial District of Manhattan in New York City, board-certified internal medicine physician Ora Pearlstein, MD, diagnoses and treats high blood pressure to keep you as healthy as possible. Call her office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure inside your blood vessels is too high. 

This, in turn, causes your heart to work harder than it’s designed to and puts you at risk of heart disease, a heart attack, a stroke, or other heart or blood vessel problems. Early detection and treatment is the best way to reduce your risk of medical complications. 

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

In many cases, high blood pressure doesn’t cause any symptoms. Other times, however, you eventually develop shortness of breath, headaches, or nosebleeds. These symptoms usually don’t occur unless your blood pressure is very high.

What are the risk factors for hypertension?

Hypertension is common, affecting nearly half of adults in the United States. Common risk factors include:

• Older age
• Family history of hypertension
• Excess body weight
• Lack of physical activity
• Using tobacco
• Too little dietary potassium
• Too much dietary sodium
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Ongoing stress
• Medical problems

Having a chronic condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease, or sleep apnea, may also increase your chances of developing hypertension. 

How does my provider diagnose hypertension?

Dr. Pearlstein evaluates your blood pressure by placing a blood pressure cuff around your arm and using a stethoscope or a blood pressure machine. She also checks your pulse or other vital signs, weighs you, and completes a physical exam. You might also need blood tests or heart-function tests, depending on your medical history, symptoms, and chronic disease risk factors.

How is hypertension treated?

The most common treatments for high blood pressure include:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes is one of the best ways to reduce hypertension naturally. Dr. Pearlstein recommends eating nutritious foods, reducing dietary sodium, keeping stress levels low, and getting regular exercise. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and lose weight if you’re overweight or obese.

Medications

Taking medications can reduce hypertension if your levels are very high or if lifestyle changes haven’t worked to bring blood pressure down into a normal range. 

To get screened or treated for high blood pressure, call Dr. Ora Pearlstein or use the online booking tool today.