High Blood Pressure Treatment in Columbus, Georgia

What is Hypertension?

A very common condition, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. Because blood pressure is a measure of how much blood your heart pumps and how resistant your arteries are to blood flow, narrow arteries generally means high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause a great deal of health problems including heart disease. 

If you have high blood pressure, contact Dr. Jada Rhymes-Bacoat at Whole Patient Healthcare to discuss the cause of your hypertension and determine a way to live healthier. For more information on the types of hypertension, causes, and how to manage high blood pressure, schedule an annual exam. To schedule your consultation, please call (706) 641-2080 and request an appointment at our primary care office in Columbus, GA.

What Are the Types of Hypertension?

While high blood pressure is often grouped into one general category, there are actually two categories: 

What is Primary Hypertension?

Primary hypertension is when there is no direct cause. This type most commonly occurs in adults, and develops over the course of a number of years. 

What is Secondary Hypertension?

Secondary hypertension occurs when there is an existing condition or direct cause. This type will appear suddenly and will cause a much higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and kidney issues as well as alcohol or drug abuse can lead to secondary hypertension. 

What Are the Causes of High Blood Pressure?

Because high blood pressure is so common, there are a number of different causes. Many of the most common include: 

• Obesity
• A high sodium diet. 
• Alcohol or tobacco abuse. 
• Old age. 
• High stress. 
• Chronic conditions or a family history of high blood pressure. 
• Pregnancy. 
• Lack of physical activity. 

How is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?

In order to properly diagnose high blood pressure, a healthcare professional will measure your blood pressure using a gauge that goes around your arm. This gauge will measure both systolic pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, or the pressure between beats. 

The following gives an idea of what your blood pressure levels indicate: 

Normal Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120 / Diastolic: 80

Elevated Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120-129 / Diastolic: Below 80

Stage 1 Hypertension
Systolic: 130-199 / Diastolic: 80-89

Stage 2 Hypertension
Systolic: 140 / Diastolic: 90

In addition to a blood pressure test, your doctor may suggest further monitoring, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, or tests such as a urinalysis, blood test, or cholesterol test. 

How is High Blood Pressure Treated?

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe you a number of various medications. Some of the most common types may include: 

• Diuretics
• Beta Blockers
• Renin Inhibitors
• Angiotensin – converting enzyme inhibitors
• Angiotensin receptor blockers
• Alpha and alpha-beta blockers

In addition, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you will be asked to make to treat your hypertension. These may include: 

• Decreasing sodium in your diet
• Ceasing smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
• Losing weight
• Creating consistent exercise plans
• Practicing relaxation and breathing
• Eating healthy foods