High Blood Pressure

Medical experts estimate that as many as one in three adults in the United States have high blood pressure. Because high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke, get started on a personalized treatment plan at Internists of North Dallas in Irving, Texas. Nabila Aslam, MD, can help manage your blood pressure and help lower your risk of averse health outcomes. Call Internists of North Dallas to schedule an appointment or request one online today. 

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, means that the force of blood on your arterial walls is too much. While some force is necessary for circulation and helping blood get in and out of your furthest extremities — like your feet and hands — too much force can damage veins, arteries, vessels, and even vital organs. 

Your risk of developing high blood pressure increases because of:

• Older age (it’s more common in your mid-sixties)
• Family history of high blood pressure
• Excess body weight (obesity)
• High sodium (salt) intake
• Sedentary lifestyle 

You can also develop secondary hypertension as a result of an underlying health condition. For example, if you have kidney problems, thyroid abnormalities, or even obstructive sleep apnea, your risk of struggling with high blood pressure increases. 

How do I know if my blood pressure is high?

What’s concerning about high blood pressure is that it tends to develop gradually over time, and it doesn’t have any clear symptoms. This is why Internists of North Dallas checks your blood pressure regularly and maps any changes or gradual spikes, so early intervention can happen if necessary. 

In stages of a hypertensive crisis, where your blood pressure reaches 180/120 mm Hg or higher, it’s possible to experience some symptoms, such as a throbbing headache, blurred vision, or a nosebleed. This type of high blood pressure is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. 

Can I get treatment for high blood pressure?

Yes. Normally, your blood pressure should be under 120/80 mm Hg. Dr. Aslam gets you started on high blood pressure lifestyle changes if she starts noticing that your blood pressure is regularly above 120/80 mm Hg.

Stage 1 hypertension, which is a reading of 130/80 mm Hg or higher, as well as stage 2 hypertension, which is a reading of 140/90 mm Hg, are serious causes for concern. Dr. Aslam may get you started on medications in addition to lifestyle changes.

Your high blood pressure treatment plan may include any of the following therapies:

• Treating related conditions, such as kidney disease
• Reducing your sodium intake
• Weight loss planning 
• Getting more exercise 

If medications are needed to treat high blood pressure, Dr. Aslam may recommend:

• Alpha, alpha-beta, or beta blockers to reduce the workload on your heart or vessels
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors to relax your blood vessels
• Diuretics (water pills) to eliminate excess sodium and water
• Calcium channel blockers to relax blood vessels

Because there are dozens of different types of hypertension medications, Dr. Aslam helps you decide which medication may be best for your specific condition. She has you check in regularly since it takes time for your high blood pressure treatment plan to produce dramatic changes. 

If you have high blood pressure, you can get the care you need at Internists of North Dallas. Call the office or request an appointment online today.