High blood pressure is a common medical problem, affecting about half of all adults in the United States. At San Fernando Medical Center in San Fernando, California, Robert Partovy, DO, and his experienced team offer effective high blood pressure treatments to reduce your risk of a stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems. Call the office today to schedule an appointment or book one online.

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What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a disease risk factor that occurs when the pressure inside blood vessel walls is too high. The vessels might become narrow or clogged, increasing your chance of heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. High blood pressure is dangerous when left untreated.

See the San Fernando Medical Center experts if you’re at risk of high blood pressure or you’ve previously been diagnosed with it.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Most of the time, high blood pressure exhibits symptoms. That’s why routine blood pressure screening is vital. If your blood pressure reaches a dangerously high level, you could develop a headache, nosebleeds, and/or shortness of breath. You might not realize you have high blood pressure until you have a heart attack or another heart-related health problem.

What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?

The most common risk factors for developing high blood pressure include:

  • Older age
  • Excess body weight
  • Lack of exercise
  • Poor dietary habits
  • Ongoing stress
  • Smoking
  • Family history of high blood pressure
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Chronic disease

Medical conditions that increase your risk of high blood pressure include diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and others.

Adopting healthy habits, including getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, is the best way to minimize your high blood pressure and other disease risk factors.

How does my provider diagnose high blood pressure?

Your San Fernando Medical Center provider diagnoses high blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff and a machine or stethoscope. They also review your lifestyle and potential symptoms, the medication you take, and your lifestyle.

The San Fernando Medical Center team checks your other vital signs, completes a physical exam, and could order bloodwork, heart-function testing, or other diagnostic tests.

How is high blood pressure treated?

To treat high blood pressure, you’ll try one or both of the following:

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do to lower your blood pressure naturally include:

  • Reducing your sodium intake
  • Eating more fruits and vegetables
  • Getting more sleep
  • Minimizing stress
  • Losing weight
  • Getting more exercise

Avoid smoking and drinking large amounts of alcohol.

Medication

Taking blood pressure-lowering medicine can reduce blood pressure if your levels are dangerously high or lifestyle changes haven’t worked.

Call the San Fernando Medical Center office today or schedule an appointment online to be screened or treated for high blood pressure.