Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common and dangerous condition that affects about 75 million people, which is around one in three adults in the United States. Board-certified physicians Tzy-Shiuan Kuo, MD, and Imam Tjahja, MD, treat hypertension at CardioVascular Institute of South Texas in Helotes, Texas. To find out how you can get your hypertension under control, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Hypertension means your blood pressure is higher than what’s considered healthy. Blood pressure measures how much blood flows through your blood vessels and the level of resistance it meets.
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke. The team at CardioVascular Institute of South Texas helps you manage hypertension and reduce your risk of complications.
High blood pressure may occur on its own, or it may be related to another health problem such as diabetes or kidney disease. Other factors that may increase your risk of hypertension include:
Hypertension is most common in adults, and your risk of developing this condition increases with age. However, children can also develop hypertension.
Hypertension is sometimes called the “silent killer” because you can have it for many years without experiencing any warning signs or symptoms. The best way to find out if you have hypertension is to monitor your blood pressure and get routine physical exams.
The team at the CardioVascular Institute of South Texas may diagnose you with hypertension based on the results of your blood pressure reading. If your blood pressure is higher than normal, they may perform multiple readings over the course of several days or weeks.
They may also perform diagnostic tests to rule out underlying conditions. These tests may include:
The physicians at the CardioVascular Institute of South Texas measure your blood pressure as part of a comprehensive physical exam.
The team at CardioVascular Institute of South Texas work with you to develop a plan to control your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. This may include changes to your lifestyle, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes aren’t enough. In these cases, your cardiologist may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.
To learn more about managing hypertension, call CardioVascular Institute of South Texas or book an appointment online today.
