Hypertension, known also as high blood pressure, is a condition affecting about 1.13 billion people worldwide according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Understanding this condition and your risk factors could help you protect your health. Your nephrologist Dr. Victor G. Carabello can help you manage hypertension in Los Angeles, CA.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition where your blood pressure is consistently above the normal range. Higher blood pressure means that your heart is having to work extra hard to push blood through your blood vessels. People with blood pressure above 130/80 mm Hg can be said to have high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hypertension
Often, hypertension doesn't present symptoms till it reaches life-threatening levels. That's why hypertension is dubbed a silent killer. Symptoms of high blood pressure include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Tiredness
- Sharp chest pain
- Confusion
- Pounding chest
Hypertension Risk Factors
Some factors can increase your risk of developing hypertension. While you could modify your lifestyle to change some of the risk factors some are unmodifiable.
Hypertension modifiable risk factors include:
- High sodium, low potassium diet
- Excess alcohol intake
- Physical inactivity
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
Unmodifiable risk factors for hypertension include:
- Family history of hypertension
- Over 65 years old
- Other health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease
Complications of Hypertension
Uncontrolled hypertension can affect several organs in your body including your heart, eyes, kidneys, and brain. Hypertension can impair blood supply to your brain which could cause tissue death resulting in a stroke. It could also impair cognitive function later in life.
Hypertension could cause heart conditions such as angina, heart attack, and heart failure due to decreased blood flow to your heart.
Managing Hypertension in Los Angeles, CA
You can work on reducing your modifiable risk factors to manage or prevent hypertension. That means getting enough physical activity and attaining a healthy weight. Giving up unhealthy habits such as tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption can help. Consider switching to a healthy diet too.
Check your blood pressure regularly and consult with your nephrologist for high blood pressure treatment options. Your doctors will also help you manage other health conditions you might have.
For help managing hypertension in Los Angles, CA, call (323) 526-2880 to schedule your consultation with your nephrologist Dr. Victor G. Carabello, today.
