High blood pressure is a prevalent health issue that increases your risk of heart attack and stroke. Nearly half of Americans have elevated blood pressure, but many don’t know their health is at stake. At Wilmington Adult Medicine, internal medicine physician Stephen Liederbach, MD, offers highly personalized care to lower your blood pressure and enhance your overall health. Call the office in Wilmington, North Carolina, or schedule a consultation online today.
As blood circulates through your body, it presses against the inside of your blood vessels. This force is your blood pressure.
Blood pressure is measured with two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Your systolic pressure is the force exerted when your heart beats, and your diastolic pressure is the force while your heart rests between beats.
High blood pressure doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As your condition progresses, you could develop headaches, blurry vision, chest pain, and nosebleeds. Many people don’t know they have high blood pressure until they have a heart attack or stroke.
While your family medical history and genes influence your risk of high blood pressure, your lifestyle can increase your risk of this disease. Common risk factors for hypertension include:
You can also develop high blood pressure due to other health issues such as diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Dr. Liederbach checks your blood pressure at your annual physical and keeps a record of your measurements. If you have a family history of the condition or other risk factors, he talks to you about making lifestyle adjustments to lower your risk before your blood pressure increases.
As hypertension is usually symptomless, it’s critical to monitor your blood pressure annually and take prompt action if your measures trend upward.
Dr. Liederbach has extensive experience in high blood pressure management. He takes a patient-focused approach to care and works with you to improve your nutrition and other lifestyle factors to lower your blood pressure naturally.
If necessary, Dr. Liederbach prescribes medication to lower your blood pressure. You might benefit from diuretics, beta-blockers, or ACE inhibitors.
If you’re concerned about high blood pressure or are looking for expert, attentive primary care, call Wilmington Adult Medicine or make an appointment online today.