High Blood Pressure Specialist

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition where the blood force against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This can strain the heart, blood vessels, and other organs, leading to serious health problems. High blood pressure (HBP) is known as the “silent killer” because nearly half of all American adults have this potentially fatal condition but don’t know it.

Although poor diet and obesity or overweight condition are the major causes of hypertension, fewer common causes might go undetected. Sleep apnea is a prominent example. Specifically, untreated sleep apnea can lead to depression, hypertension, stroke, and death.

Here’s what people should know about it:

Types of High Blood Pressure

There are two main types of hypertension:

• Primary (Essential) Hypertension:
  This is the most common type and develops gradually over many years. It typically has no single identifiable cause but can be influenced by a family history of hypertension, increased age, and lifestyle factors such as a poor diet and sedentary lifestyle.,/
• Secondary Hypertension:
  This type is caused by underlying health conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, and obstructive sleep apnea. Some medications may also be a cause of high blood pressure. Other risk factors included in this type of hypertension include excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, high salt intake, and chronic stress.,/

Dangers of High Blood Pressure

If left untreated, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and strokes.

It can also affect other systems of the body. For example, untreated high blood pressure candamage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney disease, and damage the blood vesselsin the eyes, leading to vision problems or blindness.

Hypertension has also been linked to memory loss and reduced cognitive function.

Managing High Blood Pressure

Managing high blood pressure involves a combination of lifestyle changes and if necessary,- medication prescriptions. Besides medication as a potential means of managing high blood pressure, lifestyle changes are also key. A diet with reduced sodium intake, fiber-rich foods, lean meats, unsaturated fats (such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts), low-fat dairy with limited sugar, and red meat is the best choice for a healthy cardiovascular system. Regular physical activity (e.g., 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days a week) can lower blood pressure by improving heart health and circulation. Losing excess weight, particularly if overweight or obese, can also significantly reduce blood pressure. Limiting alcohol, quitting smoking, and managing chronic stress are also strong means of controlling blood pressure.

Key points to remember:

• Hypertension can be "silent":
  Many people don’t experience noticeable symptoms, so regular check-ups are essential.
• Prevention is key:
  Adopting a healthy lifestyle early can prevent or delay the onset of high blood pressure.
• Comprehensive care:
  Managing high blood pressure often requires a combination of healthy habits and, when necessary, medication.

If you have high blood pressure, working closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan is essential for long-term health and well-being.

Dr. Kermani believes that an ounce of prevention surpasses a ton of treatment.

If you have or a loved one has any concerns about high blood pressure, please call our office at (702)435-1995 and one of our friendly staff will schedule an appointment for you to see Dr. Kermani at our office in the Southern Highlands and Las Vegas area.