Hypertension
Introduction
You've probably heard that high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, may cause or contribute to heart attacks, stroke, aneurysms, and other health issues.
So, whether you're worried you have high blood pressure or have already been diagnosed, you're probably looking for some answers.
You may be wondering if hypertension has symptoms to look out for and whether you can prevent it or reverse it if you have it.
Get answers to those questions as well as information about how high blood pressure is treated. Will you have to take medication? Can diet and lifestyle changes alone take care of the problem? What about stress management?
Be sure to check in with your healthcare provider (HCP), who can help you forge the path to better health.
Hypertension causes
You might have heard about primary and secondary hypertension. What's the difference? Are there different causes? How do issues like age, weight, genetics, smoking, diet, thyroid problems, kidney disease, and other conditions play a role? Read more about the types of hypertension and some common risk factors for developing it.
Hypertension symptoms
Is it possible to have hypertension with no symptoms at all? Find out why some people don't know they have it until their HCP diagnoses them. If you feel you're at risk, it's important to work with your HCP and get regular checkups in order to manage or avoid hypertension.
Diagnosing hypertension
You've probably had your blood pressure checked at some point with an inflatable arm cuff attached to a pressure-measuring gauge. But when diagnosing high blood pressure, your HCP might take some additional measures. Will they recommend lab tests? A different type of blood pressure monitoring? See what other tests to expect as they work to confirm your diagnosis and check for any possible underlying conditions.
Treatments for hypertension
Depending on your unique needs, your HCP may recommend an array of treatments. Find out if those may include medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of the two. If you have any underlying conditions, they may recommend treatments for those, as well. Read about some of the options your HCP might explore with you.
