powered by Zocdoc

Heart Health

What Causes High Blood Pressure?

A rise and fall in your body’s blood pressure is something to be taken seriously. This can happen throughout the day, depending on your activity and physical state. When you have high blood pressure, you are at risk of other life-threatening medical problems. High blood pressure can also occur with other health conditions, such as arthritis.

You can manage your health better by knowing the causes of various conditions. Continue reading to find out more about the causes of high blood pressure.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is abnormally high systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These two numbers indicate the pressure in the arteries, the vessels carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Systolic blood pressure is the first or higher number. It measures the pressure when the heart beats. Meanwhile, diastolic pressure, the second number, measures the pressure between beats, when the heart rests. Your doctor can determine if you have high blood pressure based on blood pressure readings that check these numbers.

This condition usually has no severe symptoms, particularly in the early stages. You may feel headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath when your blood pressure becomes severely high.

Types and Causes of High Blood Pressure

There are two types of high blood pressure, depending on the cause. Your family doctor may examine your medical history to determine what causes your hypertension.

●     Primary Hypertension

Most adults suffer from primary or essential hypertension. This type of high blood pressure has no definite cause and gradually develops over time.

●     Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension appears more suddenly. This type of hypertension occurs because of another underlying medical condition in the heart, kidneys, or endocrine system. Examples are arthritis, thyroid problems, problems in blood vessels, obstructive sleep apnea, and more.

Risk Factors Causing High Blood Pressure

Some factors increase the likelihood of having high blood pressure. Although these do not directly cause hypertension, you should monitor your blood pressure closely if you are associated with these risk factors:

●     Age and Gender

Hypertension can affect people at any age. However, the likelihood of acquiring it increases as you get older. Although less common, children may also suffer from hypertension. Poor lifestyle habits and kidney or heart problems can contribute to hypertension in the younger population.

●     Family History and Race

Genetics can play a significant role in developing high blood pressure. Hypertension tends to run in families. According to studies, people of African descent may also develop the condition earlier than others. They are also more likely to develop serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure.

●     Physical Activity

Physical inactivity is generally associated with a higher heart rate. It causes the heart to work harder and produce more intense contractions, leading to hypertension.

●     Weight

Increased weight means the body needs more blood supply and oxygen. When there is increased blood flow in the arteries, the pressure against the artery walls may also increase.

●     Diet

The nutrients in your diet, such as sodium and potassium, can affect your blood pressure. Too much sodium or salt can promote fluid retention in your body, resulting in increased blood pressure. Low potassium levels due to improper diet or dehydration can lead to sodium buildup in the blood.

●     Use of Tobacco and Drinking Alcohol

The use of tobacco products does not only temporarily raise your body’s blood pressure immediately, it can also cause the narrowing of artery walls, leading to permanent damage. Alcohol consumption can also lead to heart damage, especially if the intake is more than one to two drinks a day.

●     Stress

High levels of stress are associated with a temporary spike in blood pressure. Stress-related habits or coping mechanisms such as binge eating, smoking, or drinking alcohol can also cause a permanent increase in blood pressure.

●     Pregnancy

Pregnant women may suffer from gestational hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension, or preeclampsia. This condition can pose serious risks before, during, and after birth.

●     Use of Certain Medications

Some birth control pills, pain relievers, cold medications, decongestants, and prescription drugs may affect the body’s blood pressure. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines can also cause hypertension.

Treatment For High Blood Pressure and Arthritis in Wellington, FL

High blood pressure affects your overall health in many ways. It should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. To get the best medical treatment for hypertension, you should always listen to the experts. Primary care physicians are the trusted and first-hand doctors who can help diagnose and treat your high blood pressure.

If you are looking for a clinic to help you with your high blood pressure, we at Advanced Medical Clinic offer medical services in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. Our skilled physicians and staff will surely accommodate your concerns, from diagnosis to treatment.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help. You may call our friendly staff at (561) 434-1935 or fill out this online request form. We look forward to serving you.

Signs of Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can affect anyone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 45% of adult Americans have high blood pressure. Moreover, only about 24% of those individuals have their hypertension under control.

Because hypertension can cause cardiovascular disease and organ failure, it is important to have it treated by a doctor. Let’s talk about some of the main signs of high blood pressure and what you can do about it.

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension does not always show obvious symptoms, but some of the initial warning signs include the following:

Shortness of Breath

If you find yourself having breathing difficulty even when you are not doing anything at all, you may have hypertension. This is the most common telltale sign for high blood pressure.

Shortness of breath occurs because the heart is having difficulty pushing oxygen-rich blood to the lungs. Moreover, you may have blocked or narrowed arteries in the lungs, in which case the body is not getting enough oxygenated blood.

Blood in Urine

Also known as hematuria, blood in your urine can be a signal that you may have hypertension. It happens because your blood pressure affects your kidneys and vice versa. Kidneys work as filters for your blood, so if you have kidney problems, then you are also at risk for high blood pressure.

Vision Problems

Untreated hypertension can damage the blood vessels in your retina, which is the part of your eye that is responsible for sending neural signals to the brain for visual recognition. If you are experiencing sudden vision problems, seek immediate medical care by an experienced doctor, as it may indicate severe hypertension or another underlying health condition.

Severe Headaches

High blood pressure can cause headaches because of the excessive pressure that it puts on the brain, leading to swelling. The headaches are likely to occur on both sides of the head and may pulsate and worsen when doing strenuous activities.

Vomiting

If vomiting comes along with your pulsating headache, then you may have hypertension. It may also be a symptom of stroke.

Nosebleed

While not a common sign or result of high blood pressure, having hypertension can make you more prone to having a bloody nose. Moreover, severe hypertension can cause your nose to bleed longer.

Seizure or Stroke

When left untreated, hypertension can progress to a hypertensive crisis, which is a severe increase in blood pressure. This can lead to a seizure or a stroke.

Blood Pressure Checks in Palm Beach County

Signs of hypertension rarely show until your condition is already severe, which then puts you at a greater risk of having a heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. That is why it is important to have regular checkups from your healthcare provider.

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, we are here to be your healthcare partner. As a patient-centered and family-oriented clinic, we provide the best treatments curated for each patient.

To experience this kind of quality service, call us today at (561) 434-1935, or set an appointment online by filling out our appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you here.

What Causes Heart Disease?

Heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the United States. About 647,000 Americans die from heart disease each year, or one person every 37 seconds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are various types of heart disease, but the most common heart condition is coronary artery disease. This affects almost 7% of all adults in this country.

The second-most common heart condition according to the CDC is heart attack, and it is estimated that someone suffers from a heart attack every 40 seconds here in the U.S. About 20% of all heart attacks are “silent” heart attacks, which show no symptoms.

What Is Heart Disease?

Heart disease (or cardiovascular disease) is actually a group of a heart conditions. Some of the most common medical conditions affecting the heart include stroke, hardened arteries, atrial fibrillation (AFib), cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. The issue can be due to a problem with the heart muscle itself, due to the internal valves and vessels that run through the heart muscle, or due to how it beats and the regulative systems.

There are numerous factors that can affect the health and condition of your heart, including exercise, lifestyle, and diet. A sedentary lifestyle does not exercise the heart enough, and poor food choices may lead to clogging of the pulmonary arteries. Plus, too much psychological stress can cause harm to the heart.

Causes of Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease happens when the coronary (heart) arteries are blocked. This makes it difficult for the arterial vessel to supply blood to the heart. This disease usually starts with atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).

Coronary artery disease is caused by the patient’s high levels of bad cholesterol and/or low levels of good cholesterol. Some of the risk factors include obesity, smoking, and stress.

Causes of Heart Arrhythmia

Heart arrhythmia (cardiac dysrhythmia) describes an irregular heartbeat wherein the heart may beat too fast or too slow. Arrhythmia usually occurs when the electrical signals to the heart that coordinate the heartbeats are not working properly.

A number of factors can cause the heart to beat improperly. These factors can include excessive coffee consumption, hypertension, an overactive thyroid gland, and drug abuse.

Causes of Heart Failure

Heart failure occurs when the heart does not pump enough blood to meet your body’s needs. It is usually caused by high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, or thyroid disease.

One of the most common causes of heart failure is an undiagnosed heart condition. Other contributors are an unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle choices.

Family Medical Clinic in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, we are a family-oriented primary care healthcare provider that offers patient-centered, high-quality medical care for people of all ages. With convenient locations in both Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, we are here to help you and your whole family achieve a better quality of life.

Call us today at (561) 434-1935 to schedule an appointment, or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to being your trusted family doctor!

Learn about Hypertension: Four Stages of Hypertension

Blood pressure is the force of blood being pushed through the arteries that carry blood from your heart and circulate it throughout your body. It is normal for blood pressure to rise and fall throughout the day. However, blood pressure that stays high for a long period can be detrimental to health. High blood pressure puts you at risk for heart failure, hypertension, and stroke, which are the leading causes of death in the United States. 

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common condition that 75 million American adults suffer from. Meanwhile, 1 in 3 American adults has prehypertension conditions. This means that their blood pressure is not within the normal range but not quite as high to be considered high blood pressure. If left uncontrolled, prehypertension will eventually become hypertension. Unfortunately, only 54% of the people who have hypertension have their condition under control. 

Learn More About Hypertension

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a condition in which blood is pushing into the arteries with higher force than normal. This can eventually damage artery walls and cause heart disease. You may have hypertension without showing any symptoms. This is why it’s important to get regular checkups so your doctor can diagnose it early on. 

There are two types of hypertension – primary hypertension and secondary hypertension. Primary Hypertension is a type of high blood pressure in which there are no underlying conditions that cause it. It usually develops through the years due to aging, lifestyle choices, and poor diet. Meanwhile, secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that tends to appear suddenly due to medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, kidney conditions, illegal drugs, and thyroid problems. 

An adult’s blood pressure is measured by using two numbers – upper systolic pressure and lower diastolic pressure. The heart’s rhythmic pumping action creates the upper systolic pressure (normal is 120 mm. Hg. or lower), and its resting pressure between heartbeats is the lower diastolic pressure (normal is 80 mm. Hg. or lower). From this, doctors can determine what stage of hypertension a patient has.

Here are the four stages of hypertension:

1. Normal Blood Pressure

If you have normal blood pressure, your reading is within the normal range. It is below 120/80 mm. Hg. Although you have normal blood pressure, it is important to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle so as not to increase your risk of developing hypertension.

2. Elevated Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg. Although it is still within range, it can be an indication that you are at risk of hypertension. It is important to maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise to lower the risk of it developing into something more serious.

3. STAGE 1 Hypertension

When you have stage 1 hypertension, your blood pressure reading is between the range of 130/80 mm Hg or 139/89 mm Hg. It is best to consult with a doctor immediately and find ways to lower it. If your blood pressure is this high, it might mean that there’s already slight damage to arteries and vessels.

4. STAGE 2 Hypertension

When you have stage 2 hypertension, your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg or higher. If this happens, seek medical help immediately. You may need to start taking medication for maintenance and make radical changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Hypertension can be maintained and controlled with the help of your doctor. Taking medication, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising regularly can help you take control of the condition effectively. 

Contact Advanced Medical Clinic in Wellington

For any heart health concerns, trust Advanced Medical Clinic to help you. Our expert practitioners and friendly staff can provide you with high-quality care that is tailored to your medical condition. 

Call us at (561) 434-1935 and schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate physicians today. You can also request an appointment online.

What Is a Dangerous High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood that is placed on the walls of the arteries and other blood vessels as it courses through the body. It is common for blood pressure to increase and decrease – but when the pressure rises to an unhealthy level for a long period of time, this is the state of having high blood pressure, also called hypertension.

In the United States, there are approximately 75 million adults who have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The condition is especially linked to heart disease and stroke, which is a great concern because they are the first and third leading cause of death, respectively.

There are also millions of Americans who have high blood pressure and do not realize it. This underscores the importance of having your blood pressure checked by a physician on a regular basis to ensure optimum health. Let’s talk about what blood pressure is and what can cause it to become higher than normal.

What Do the Blood Pressure Numbers Mean? 

A blood pressure test is quick and easy, and it determines your systolic and diastolic pressure. When read, the systolic number is first, and the diastolic pressure is second. The systolic number represents the pressure on your blood vessel walls when your heart beats; the diastolic pressure is the pressure between beats.

A normal blood pressure is less than 120 systolic and less than 80 diastolic (120/80, or “120 over 80”). High blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

It is entirely possible to have dangerously high blood pressure and not even know it. However, most people with this condition tend to experience occasional bouts of shortness of breath, headaches, and even nosebleeds. By the time these symptoms occur, high blood pressure has become severe – see a doctor right away for an evaluation.

In addition to a medical history, a blood pressure check is a normal part of every health checkup. In between doctor’s visits, you may be tempted to check your own blood pressure at blood pressure machines that are sometimes located in grocery stores or pharmacies – however, these machines are not completely trustworthy. The blood pressure machine in the doctor’s office is much more accurate.

Who Is at Risk of High Blood Pressure?

There are several factors that affect blood pressure, including heredity, obesity, a lack of exercise, and smoking. Let’s take a look at some of these contributing factors:

  • Excess weight requires the blood to work harder to supply oxygen throughout the body. Plus, pressure on the artery walls is increased as the volume of blood being circulated is increased.
  • Exercise lowers a person’s heart rate, which lowers blood pressure. Conversely, a lack of exercise can cause a higher heart rate, causing the heart to work harder.
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco raises blood pressure. Additionally, arteries are susceptible to damage from the chemicals found in cigarettes and tobacco products.
  • Ordinary table salt affects blood pressure. Too much salt/sodium increases fluid that is retained in the body, which also causes blood pressure to rise.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption affects blood pressure and can cause damage to the heart. For men, more than two drinks a day could negatively affect blood pressure, and more than one drink each day will have an effect on a woman’s blood pressure.

There are factors that can contribute to a person’s susceptibility to high blood pressure which are beyond our control:

  • People of African heritage are more likely to develop high blood pressure, and are more susceptible to the condition at an earlier age, than those of other races.
  • Diabetes, kidney disease, and certain other chronic health conditions can negatively affect blood pressure.

Family Doctor in Wellington, FL

If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, we’ll make it easy for you: Walk-ins and same-day appointments are welcome here at Advanced Medical Clinic. Our offices are located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach for your convenience.

Call us today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to seeing you here!