High Blood Pressure Specialist
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Family Medical Care, PLLC
Board Certified Family Practice Physicians & Family Practice located in Hayden, ID
High blood pressure, medically known as “hypertension,” affects about one in three American adults, and to make matters worse, only half of them have their condition under control. Because high blood pressure can seriously affect your heart health, John Torquato, MD, of Family Medical Care, PLLC, provides innovative treatment solutions in Hayden, Idaho. Start your path to lower blood pressure by booking an evaluation through the website or over the phone today.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure means that there’s too much force on your blood vessels during normal circulatory processes. This can lead to vessel damage, including clogs and hardened arterial walls (atherosclerosis), which can stress your heart. If you have high blood pressure, it may be linked to:
- Stress
- Obesity
- Using tobacco
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive sodium intakes
- Family history of hypertension
Sometimes, high blood pressure occurs because you have an underlying health issue, such as a thyroid problem or sleep disorder. No matter what’s causing your high blood pressure though, it’s never too late to get it under control and get your health back on track.
Are there symptoms of high blood pressure?
Usually no, which is why high blood pressure is so deadly: You may be unaware it’s high until something serious happens (like a heart attack). To protect your heart, your blood pressure should remain below 120/80 mm Hg.
Dr. Torquato checks your blood pressure every time you come to Family Medical Care, PLLC, so he can track it over time. He may diagnose you with prehypertension if your blood pressure goes above 120/80, or with hypertension if your reading is above 130/80 mm Hg.
If your blood pressure ever goes higher than 180/120 mm Hg, you’re having a hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency that can lead to dizziness, nosebleeds, and difficulty breathing.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Controlling high blood pressure and preserving your heart health is essential to your overall well-being and to reduce your risk of chronic disease. Your high blood pressure treatment plan from Family Medical Care, PLLC, may include a combination of the following:
- Incorporating plant-based nutrition with NEWSTART® and getting more fiber
- Minimizing sodium in your diet
- Getting more physical activity
- Smoking cessation
Usually, incorporating these healthful lifestyle changes helps lower your blood pressure over time. In more serious cases though, Dr. Torquato could recommend medications to relax or open up your blood vessels or reduce forceful pumping from your heart, so your blood pressure can further improve.
Family Medical Care, PLLC, provides innovative high blood pressure management that’s tailored to you. Find out more by booking an exam online or over the phone today.
