Hypertension

Hypertension is a common health condition that can develop without you even knowing it and can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. At Elahe Toulouie MD Inc., board-certified physician Dr. Toulouie and her team provide expert medical care and can help you manage your hypertension at her San Diego, La Mesa, and El Cajon, California offices. For comprehensive, compassionate care, call today to request an appointment online.

What should I know about hypertension?

Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition when the force of blood against your artery walls is higher than normal. Over time, the excess force damages your blood vessels and other organs and may increase your risk of heart and kidney disease or having a heart attack, stroke, or aneurysm. 

How do I know if I have hypertension?

Hypertension develops without causing symptoms, so the only way to know if you have it is to have the team check your blood pressure when you come in for care. 

One elevated blood pressure doesn’t mean you have hypertension, however. Your provider may need a few elevated blood pressures at different visits to confirm a diagnosis.

If you think your blood pressure may be falsely elevated due to “white coat syndrome,” then you may want to track your blood pressure with a home blood pressure machine or check it at your local pharmacy to get a more accurate picture. 

Symptoms that indicate high blood pressure include headaches, shortness of breath, and nose bleeds. However, these symptoms usually only develop when blood pressure levels are severe.

Am I at risk for hypertension?

Aging is one risk factor for hypertension because the arteries become less flexible with age. Certain groups, like African Americans, are more likely to develop hypertension than others. Hypertension also runs in families. 

Other risk factors for hypertension include too much salt in the diet, too little vitamin D, stress, and heavy drinking. Being overweight and obese, low levels of physical activity, and using tobacco in any form also increase the risk of high blood pressure.

What treatments can improve my hypertension?

Your provider develops a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your hypertension based on your blood pressure numbers, lifestyle, and medical history. Your treatment plan may include:

• Healthy diet low in sodium
• Regular exercise
• Reduced alcohol intake
• Blood pressure medication
  

If you’re overweight or obese, weight loss may significantly improve your blood pressure numbers.

Hypertension is a common health condition. For medical management from an experienced physician, call Elahe Toulouie MD Inc. today or request an appointment online.