Overview

High blood pressure affects over 50 million people in the United States. It is estimated that only one third of these people have been diagnosed; the rest are unaware of their health risk. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for coronary artery disease and, left untreated, can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy increased thickness of the heart wall), congestive heart failure, a stroke,  kidney disease and retinopathy (changes in the retina of  the eye). However, if treated early and effectively, all of the potential complications associated with hypertension can be avoided, minimized, or even reversed.

Diagnosis of hypertension is based on three consecutive elevated blood pressure readings. Blood pressure should always be taken with a well-calibrated instrument (sphygmomanometer) a correctly sized cuff and with the person in a rested state for at least a few minutes. Blood pressure readings, in many individuals, are highly variable. Blood pressure can be affected by medications, including over the counter medications, exercise, anxiety, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and many other variables.

Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers represented as one over the other. The top number is called the systolic reading and the bottom number is called the diastolic reading. Hypertension is present if either or, both the systolic or diastolic readings are elevated.

Classification (Stages) of Hypertension

Hypertension is further classified as primary or secondary. Primary hypertension is also called essential hypertension. The major predisposing risk factors in primary hypertension are genetics and lifestyle which include: stress, anxiety, high salt intake, smoking, excessive alcohol intake, high cholesterol, and diabetes to name a few.

Secondary hypertension affects approximately 5% of all people with hypertension. With secondary hypertension, high blood pressure is caused because of some other medical problem within the body. These problems would include, but are not limited to, renal parenchymal disease, renal artery stenosis, excess aldosterone secretion, excess glucocorticoid secretion pheochromocytoma,coarctation of the aorta, thyroid dysfunction, pregnancy, and chronic use of oral contraceptives.

Early management of hypertension involves changing lifestyle behaviors that are known to elevate blood pressure. Education, counseling and support in the areas of weight management, diet exercise, smoking cessation stress reduction and the "over" use of some over the counter medications are all key factors in helping to reduce high blood pressure.

Once diagnosed with hypertension, additional testing is required to determine the type of hypertension and any complications from hypertension that may have already occurred. Laboratory analysis plays an important role in the diagnosis of secondary hypertension. Electrocardiogram (EKG) and chest X-ray are recommended as routine screening exams for hypertension. Hypertension left untreated can cause left ventricular hypertrophy. Echocardiogram is done to determine left ventricular hypeltrophy. There is a strong correlation between left ventricular mass and morbidity, as well as, mortality from cardiovascular disease.

Treatment of hypertension may also include medication in addition to changes in diet, exercise and lifestyle modifications. Choice of medications is made on an individual basis in consultation with your physician. There are several different classes of anti-hypertensive medications as follows:

At Advanced Cardiac Specialists (ACS) each of our clinicians is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Each of our outpatient offices is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Our staff is fully trained to handle everything you will need from on-site exercise centers to fully equipped. treatment rooms available to handle hypertensive emergencies.

Advanced Cardiac Specialists cares about your good health. Diagnosing and treating hypertension is only one of the ways in which we show you how to better manage your health.