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Why Doctors Calls Hypertension a Silent Disease
High blood pressure increases the chances of stroke and heart attack. In fact, hypertension is considered the top controllable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. That’s good news because it means that with healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet and losing weight, you can reduce your risk.
When you’re seeking the best internal medicine in Tarzana, California, Samuel I. Fink, MD, is your top choice. Dr. Fink takes a patient-centered, collaborative approach to empower his patients to make meaningful changes that lead to improved health and wellness.
Making cardiovascular health a top priority can help you live a long, full life. Keep reading to learn why it’s possible to have high blood pressure without being aware.
A silent danger
High blood pressure is often referred to as a "silent killer" because symptoms aren’t always obvious. A person with high blood pressure may feel perfectly fine. Hypertension can only be detected by having your blood pressure monitored.
Even if you feel OK, having your blood pressure checked regularly is essential. Early detection and intervention makes it easier to control blood pressure.
Getting blood pressure under control
Combating hypertension entails working with a health care practitioner to adopt healthy blood pressure habits. Cutting salt intake, increasing potassium intake, exercising, and eating a heart-friendly diet are all tried-and-true approaches to managing blood pressure.
When it comes to staying healthy and strong, chronic disease prevention is key. Dr. Fink can assist you in preventing high blood pressure before it begins and keeping it well-managed if it develops. Regular blood pressure checks can alert you to possible problems before they become chronic, giving you the opportunity to make changes to get things back on track.
The deadly impact of uncontrolled hypertension
Your blood vessels are meant to remain soft, flexible, and relaxed. High blood pressure is often accompanied by stiff, narrow blood vessels, and this makes it difficult for your heart to pump blood. As a result, your heart must work harder; meanwhile the excessive pressure against your artery walls causes damage to arteries throughout the body.
Over time, high blood pressure can cause chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, erectile dysfunction, and coronary artery disease. It can also damage the delicate blood vessels that supply the eyes, leading to vision problems and blindness.
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle
There’s no shortcut to heart health. It involves adopting permanent lifestyle habits that support your health. Talk to Dr. Fink about what you can do to manage your blood pressure so you lower your chances of heart disease and other serious health issues.
Quitting smoking, changing your diet, losing weight, and getting enough exercise are among the most important steps you can take toward lowering your blood pressure if it's high. When that’s not enough, several classes of anti-hypertensive medications can help lower your blood pressure so you aren’t in the danger zone.
With either lifestyle changes alone, or in combination with medication, most people can control high blood pressure and prevent damage.
Heart disease and stroke isn’t inevitable. You have the power to take measures to keep your heart healthy. Scheduling a visit to discuss your heart health and check your blood pressure is an excellent first step. Call our office or request an appointment online to schedule a visit with Dr. Fink today.
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