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Hypertension

Med South Primary Care Our Services Hypertension
Med South Primary Care - - Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician

Med South Primary Care

Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician, and Physician Assistant located in Stockbridge, GA

According to the American Heart Association, almost half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t even know it. Primary care physician Ira C. Robinson II, MD, and his team screen for and treat high blood pressure at Med South Primary Care in Stockbridge, Georgia. You may have high blood pressure without even realizing it, so call the practice or request an appointment online to get screened today.

Hypertension Q&A

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, occurs when the pressure of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is higher than what’s healthy for your body. Over time, this increased force can damage the walls of your blood vessels.

If you have hypertension, your blood pressure is high enough to cause serious medical problems if left untreated. Hypertension can result in heart attacks or strokes, heart failure, kidney damage, or a brain aneurysm.

Who is at risk for hypertension?

Anyone may be susceptible to hypertension, but your likelihood of developing it increases with age. About one in every three American adults over age 20 has high blood pressure, making it an extremely common condition.

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing hypertension, such as:

  • Family history of hypertension
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Moderate to extreme alcohol use
  • Pregnancy

Mental stress and a poor diet can also increase your risk of hypertension.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension is often called “the silent killer” because it usually doesn’t create noticeable symptoms. Blood pressure that’s extremely high, about 180/110 mmHg, is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

Symptoms of hypertension at this dangerous stage include:

  • Headache and dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blurry vision
  • Heart palpitations
  • Shortness of breath

You should contact Med South Primary Care if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so you can get properly screened for hypertension.

How do you diagnose and treat hypertension?

Your provider at Med South Primary Care monitors your blood pressure during routine checkups and preventive care visits. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your provider works with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes all your health and lifestyle factors into account.

In many cases, simple lifestyle changes can make a huge impact on reducing blood pressure. Depending on your habits, your provider at Med South Primary Care may provide information on the following lifestyle changes to improve your health:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Reducing or eliminating alcohol
  • Quitting smoking
  • Maintaining a healthy body weight

If your condition is severe or these treatments don’t work, your physician may prescribe medication to reduce your blood pressure.

If you suspect you may have hypertension, or if you haven’t had your blood pressure checked in a while, call Med South Primary Care or request an appointment online today.

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