High Blood Pressure

Up to 47% of adults have high blood pressure, a potentially serious health problem that increases the risk of a heart attack or a stroke. At I & B Medical Associates, the team of primary care specialists diagnose and treat high blood pressure using a conservative and integrative approach. We accept Medicare. To make an appointment, call the office in Miami, Florida, or book online today.

What is high blood pressure?

If you have high blood pressure, the force of the blood pumping through your veins is above average. If it remains high for months or even years, it increases the risk of a cardiovascular event.

Because high blood pressure doesn’t cause symptoms, it’s sometimes called the “silent killer.” Routine physical exams can alert you early when it’s most responsive to treatment.

What are the types of high blood pressure?

The team at I & B Medical Associates treats several types of blood pressure, including:

Primary blood pressure

Primary blood pressure develops slowly due to the natural aging process and lifestyle choices, like smoking or drinking alcohol. 

Secondary blood pressure

Secondary blood pressure occurs due to an underlying health problem, like diabetes or kidney disease. It’s usually higher than primary blood pressure and more serious.

What can happen if high blood pressure goes untreated?

If you have high blood pressure and don’t receive treatment, you’re more likely to experience other health problems, including:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Peripheral vascular disease
• Kidney disease
• Pregnancy complications
• Eye damage

High blood pressure may also increase your risk of cognitive issues, like vascular dementia.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

The team at I & B Medical Associates diagnoses high blood pressure during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and takes your blood pressure with a pressure-measuring gauge and an inflatable cuff. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters over mercury (mm/Hg). 

A reading of 120/80 mm/Hg or less is considered normal, while a reading of 121/80 or higher indicates high blood pressure. Your I & B Medical Associates provider takes your blood pressure several times to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treatment of high blood pressure depends on your age, health history, and the severity of your blood pressure readings. Your I & B Medical Associates provider might recommend:

• Checking your blood pressure daily
• Eating a balanced and nutritious diet
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Exercising regularly
• Managing your stress
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol intake

If healthy lifestyle changes don’t reduce your blood pressure significantly, you might also benefit from prescription medication. There are many drugs designed to treat high blood pressure, including diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

To learn more about the treatment options for high blood pressure, make an appointment at I & B Medical Associates by calling the office or booking online today.