High Blood Pressure in Falls Church, VA: Managing & Preventing Symptoms
.
common chronic conditions in the U. S, as more than 119 million American adults develop this health issue. In many cases, patients are asymptomatic and unaware of having this condition, but when the blood pressure is extremely high, they experience dangerous complications like seizures and strokes. If you’re in Falls Church, VA, and want to check on your blood pressure levels with a healthcare professional, book your consultation with CareLife Medical.
Living With High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of the blood as the heart pumps, pushing against the walls of the arteries. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the blood is flowing at a pressure that’s higher than normal.
Your levels of blood pressure are measured with two numbers. The first one is the systolic pressure, which is the compression in your arteries when your heart beats. The second is the diastolic pressure, which represents the density of the arteries when your heart is relaxed between every beat. Pressure levels are measured in this way:
- Normal pressure: less than 120/80.
- Pre-hypertension: 120-129/80.
- Stage 1 high blood pressure: 130-139/80-89.
- Stage 2 high blood pressure: 140/90 or higher.
- Hypertensive crisis: 180/120.
Common Causes of High Blood Pressure
Other health conditions
Health issues such as sleep apnea, renal artery stenosis, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, and primary aldosteronism alter your blood pressure levels.
Medications
Decongestants, pain relievers, antidepressants, and hormonal contraceptive pills are triggers for drug-induced hypertension.
Diet & weight
High blood pressure is heavily influenced by your diet and weight. Constantly eating foods that are high in sodium and low in potassium narrows the blood vessels and provokes weight gain. On the other hand, being overweight forces the heart to work harder.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
41% of high blood pressure patients present no symptoms during the first years, but if it reaches a stage 2 level of 130/80 or more, you may experience these complications:
- Chest pain.
- Dizziness.
- Heart palpitations.
- Reduced urination.
- Seizures.
- Severe headaches.
- Signs of stroke, like sudden facial droop, slurred speech or sudden weakness on the limbs.
- Vision changes, like eye pain, vision loss or sudden blurry vision.
Why Is High Blood Pressure Common in Falls Church, VA?
Hypertension is highlighted as a common health condition among adults in Falls Church, VA, affecting 30% of them. Lifestyle factors like sedentary behavior, long commutes, and a stressful routine are key factors that influence the development of this issue within the residents of the area.
Out of these primary drivers, living a sedentary lifestyle is the most prevalent one. In Northern Virginia, 17% of adults reported not being active in any exercise or recreational sport during their free time, an aspect that is directly related to factors like a demanding work culture and long commutes. Eventually, these long periods of inactivity lead to developing chronic health conditions like high blood pressure.
Treatment for High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure symptoms are assessed by Dr. Fatima Aziz, a primary care professional, with consultations where she prescribes lifestyle modifications, dietary habits, and medication intake with the patient. Some of the medical advice includes lowering the consumption of foods high in sodium, a weight loss plan, participating in physical activities, quitting cigarettes and cutting alcohol use.
In addition to these lifestyle tips, medications are also used to lower blood pressure. Diuretics are used to remove excess water, beta-blockers are for decreasing heart rate, alpha-blockers relax the vascular muscles, and calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the blood vessels, lowering the pressure levels.
FAQ
What could cause my blood pressure levels to be unstable?
A hypertension patient is prone to experiencing abrupt changes in blood pressure from normal to high, this issue is also known as labile blood pressure. Patients with hormonal, neurological, or psychological problems may develop it
Are medications safe for my kidneys?
Blood tests can reflect small changes in the markers for kidney function after starting a medication for high blood pressure, but it is not considered as evidence of kidney harm.
How can I collaborate with my primary care doctor?
Communication and trust are the most important aspects when managing your symptoms along with Dr. Fatima Aziz. Keeping an open dialogue about any complications that you may experience, your goals, your medical history, and personal preferences, are key to long-term success in managing your blood pressure levels.
Treat Your High Blood Pressure Symptoms in Falls Church, VA
Located in Falls Church, VA, CareLife specializes in providing medical services for chronic illness patients, including adults with high blood pressure. Dr. Fatima Aziz and her team will assess your symptoms, clear your doubts about your condition, and help you achieve your health goals. If you or an older loved one is struggling with high blood pressure symptoms, it’s time to book an appointment.