Hypertension / High Blood Pressure Specialist
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Maryland Medical First P.A.
Board Certified Internal Medicine located in Parkville, MD
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, can increase your risks of heart problems -- but the good news is it’s easy to treat. At Maryland Medical First P.A. in Parkville, Maryland, board-certified internal medicine physician Narender Bharaj, MD, and the other expert providers diagnose and treat hypertension to keep you as healthy as possible. Call the office to book an appointment or schedule one online today.
Hypertension / High Blood Pressure Q & A
What is high blood pressure?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic disease risk factor. It occurs when the pressure inside blood vessel walls is higher than it’s supposed to be, which in turn boosts your risk of a heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. Early detection and treatment of hypertension are crucial to maintaining exceptional health.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Most of the time, you don’t have any symptoms of high blood pressure. If you do experience symptoms, which may include shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or headaches, your blood pressure is likely at a dangerously high level. Complications that can occur with untreated high blood pressure include heart problems, aneurysms, memory problems, and dementia.
What are the risk factors for hypertension?
Genetic and environmental factors can both contribute to hypertension. Examples include:
- African heritage
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Older age
- Obesity
- Using tobacco
- Being sedentary
- Poor dietary habits
- Too much dietary salt
- Too little dietary potassium
- High levels of stress
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Chronic diseases
Chronic conditions that may increase your risk of high blood pressure include sleep apnea, kidney disease, and diabetes.
How does my doctor diagnose hypertension?
To diagnose high blood pressure, your provider uses a blood pressure cuff and a stethoscope or blood pressure monitoring device. The procedure is simple, fast, and painless. You can also monitor your blood pressure at home.
What are common treatments for high blood pressure?
Common treatments for high blood pressure include:
Lifestyle changes
Things you can do at home to reduce high blood pressure naturally include eating nutritious foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.), limiting dietary sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising daily, keeping stress levels low, limiting or avoiding alcohol, and not smoking.
Medications
If your blood pressure reaches dangerously high levels or lifestyle changes haven’t worked to lower it, your Maryland Medical First P.A. specialist may suggest you take medications in addition to adopting healthy habits. They personalize each treatment to best match your needs.
Don’t let untreated hypertension/high blood pressure increase your risk of serious complications when simple treatments are within reach at Maryland Medical First P.A. Call the office to schedule an appointment or book one online today.