High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer for a reason, so it’s important to get your blood pressure checked frequently as most people don’t notice any symptoms when they develop hypertension. Vaijinath Chakote, MD, and the team at Empire Medical Services in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, and Rockaway Beach, New York, specialize in internal medicine and can help you keep your blood pressure under control. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get your blood pressure checked and protect your overall health.
High Blood Pressure q & A
What is blood pressure?
In order to live, your body needs oxygenated blood flowing throughout your body. Your heartbeat provides the pressure to push the blood through your veins, arteries, and capillaries. In a blood pressure reading, there are two different pressures that pump your blood:
- Systolic pressure, which is when the heart beats and blood flows to the arteries
- Diastolic pressure, which is when the heart rests in between heartbeats.
When doctors measure blood pressure they’re checking the strength of your blood rushing through your blood vessels.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when the force of your blood is consistently too high. Normally, your blood pressure goes up and down, but if it’s always high it can be unhealthy and cause high blood pressure. This is dangerous because it causes your heart and blood vessels to kick into overdrive, making them work harder, which can cause damage. High blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease, which is the number one cause of death in the United States.
In America, 1 in 3 adults suffer from high blood pressure, and anyone, including children, can be susceptible to its dangers, so it’s important to stay on top of your readings.
What are the risks of having high blood pressure?
Over time, bad cholesterol plaque forms on your artery walls, constricting them and making it harder for blood to flow. This causes your heart to have to work harder and damages your arteries, which in turn can harm the rest of your body. High blood pressure can cause a heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, and other conditions.
How can I lower my blood pressure?
Living a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and eating nutrient filled foods, can help lower your blood pressure. It is important to maintain a healthy weight and limit alcohol and tobacco use. Lastly, it’s important to get your blood pressure checked frequently by the team at Empire Medical Services.
Dr. Chakote and his team can help customize a treatment plan to help you lower your blood pressure. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to get started.
