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Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the force or pressure of blood against your artery walls is higher than normal.

Nearly half of all adults in the U.S. are living with high blood pressure. When not treated or controlled, this chronic condition can increase the risk of complications, including heart attack, stroke, and dementia.

Here’s what you need to know about hypertension, and how to request an appointment with Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates if you need help managing your heart health.

What Is Hypertension?

Your blood pressure level is usually checked by your doctor during routine wellness exams. It is measured using your systolic number and your diastolic number.Systolic blood pressure is a measurement of the level of force in the arteries when the heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure is a measurement of the level of force in the arteries when the heart rests between beats.

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which a person’s blood pressure is consistently higher than normal. In hypertension, the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is too high. This puts excess pressure on the heart, which must work harder at pumping blood.

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Stages of Hypertension

There are two stages of hypertension: stage 1 and stage 2:

  • Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic blood pressure level of between 130 and 139 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure level of between 80 and 89 mmHg.
  • Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic blood pressure level at or above 140 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure level at or above 90 mmHg.

A normal blood pressure level is less than 120/80 mmHg, and an elevated blood pressure level ranges between 120/80 and 129/80 mmHg.

Causes and Symptoms

High blood pressure is usually caused by one or a combination of lifestyle behaviors. Common causes and risk factors of hypertension include:

  • Excess weight and obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Tobacco use
  • High-salt diet
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Poor stress management
  • Potassium deficiency
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney disease

Hypertension doesn’t always cause symptoms and can go unnoticed for many years. When they do occur, hypertension symptoms may include:

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nosebleeds

Treatment Options

If you have high blood pressure, treating it and controlling it will reduce your risk for heart disease and other complications.Treatments for hypertension include:

  • Weight loss
  • Regular exercise
  • Smoking cessation
  • Stress management
  • Nutrition changes
  • Medications including diuretics, ACE inhibitors, and beta blockers

Your doctor or cardiologist can talk to you more about all your available hypertension treatment options.

Hunterdon Cardiovascular Associates is committed to providing the highest quality care in a patient-centered environment. Our offices are conveniently located in Flemington, Clinton, and Bridgewater. We have subspecialty clinics available to ensure our patients receive the proper care for their condition. Contact HCA today at (908) 788-1710 to make an appointment with one of our cardiologists.

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Please note this website is NOT monitored by clinical staff. If you are experiencing any cardiac symptoms. Please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

1100 Wescott Drive, Suite G3
Flemington, NJ 08822

1738 Route 31, Suite 110
Clinton, NJ 08809

1121 Route 22 West Suite 201 B
Bridgewater NJ 08807

(908) 788-1710

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