Hypertension

Hypertension, commonly called high blood pressure, is a widespread chronic disease that develops without symptoms and puts you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. At Direct Primary Care New Braunfels in New Braunfels, Texas, Thomas Kay, MD, and Georgina Bustamante, MD, provide attentive and personalized care for hypertension. For help managing your hypertension, call the office today or schedule an appointment online.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a disease in which the force of blood against the blood vessel walls is persistently too high. Over time, the excess force causes the blood vessels to stiffen and narrow. Your heart then has to pump harder to circulate blood throughout your body.

Hypertension is a common chronic disease that develops without causing symptoms. When left undiagnosed and untreated, hypertension can cause severe health complications like a heart attack or stroke.

Hypertension puts you at risk of developing kidney disease or vascular dementia (dementia caused by poor blood flow to the brain).

What kinds of hypertension are there?

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary.

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension is the more common type. Aging and poor lifestyle choices, like smoking and lack of physical activity, are risk factors for primary hypertension.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is caused by other health conditions like sleep apnea, kidney disease, and hormonal problems.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Your provider at Direct Primary Care New Braunfels will diagnose hypertension if you have two higher-than-normal blood pressure readings at two or more office visits.

Because hypertension is widespread and develops without causing symptoms, your provider checks your blood pressure every time you visit.

If they have concerns about hypertension, they might suggest investing in an at-home blood pressure machine to monitor your numbers. Some people have falsely elevated blood pressure readings when they visit the doctor because of anxiety. At-home readings can provide a better picture of your blood pressure numbers.

How is hypertension treated?

Your provider at Direct Primary Care New Braunfels personalizes your hypertension treatment based on your blood pressure readings and related health concerns. Your plan will take a holistic approach to care, focusing on lifestyle changes like:

• Eating a balanced diet
• Getting regular exercise
• Finding healthy outlets for stress
• Quitting smoking
• Participating in medical weight loss

Your provider will probably prescribe medication when lifestyle changes fail to improve your blood pressure readings. Direct Primary Care New Braunfels offers an attentive chronic disease management program. The program usually includes regular checkups and support, helping you gain control of your blood pressure.

Call Direct Primary Care New Braunfels today or schedule a consultation online to get help managing your hypertension.