Hypertension Treatment Specialist in Beckley, WV

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is blood pressure higher than normal. It is classified as systolic blood pressure above 130 and diastolic blood pressure higher than 80. When left untreated, hypertension can have serious consequences.

The goal of treatment is to lower blood pressure in order to protect organs such as the heart, kidneys, and the brain from damage. Hypertension treatment has been associated with reducing heart failure by more than 50%, reducing strokes by 35-40%, and heart attack by 20-25%. A healthcare professional will diagnose high blood pressure and make treatment determinations after comparing an individual’s diastolic and systolic blood pressure levels with levels found in certain guidelines.

The three ways hypertension is usually treated include lifestyle changes, medication, and high blood pressure treatment follow-up. Lifestyle changes may be encouraged among certain patients prior to a diagnosis of hypertension as a preventive measure but improving overall health and wellness through diet and exercise can be an effective natural treatment of high blood pressure.

Several types of drugs are used to treat hypertension and the patient’s doctor may prescribe different medications based on various factors, these drugs include diuretics, Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, beta-blockers, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), calcium channel blockers, renin inhibitors, alpha-agonists, alpha-blockers, and combination medications.

Follow-up care involves patients seeing the doctor once a month after beginning drug therapy until the point the blood pressure goal is reached. The doctor may run various other tests such as checking the level of potassium in the blood and other BUN/creative and electrolyte levels. Patients should continue to see their doctor somewhat regularly after the desired blood pressure has been reached to monitor the potential development of related conditions.

High blood pressure affects many individuals to sometimes highly dangerous outcomes. According to the CDC, roughly 500,000 individuals die from high blood pressure-related issues annually. Blood pressure does vary and change throughout the day depending on the nature of the activities an individual is participating in, however, if blood pressure is consistently above normal individuals may be diagnosed with hypertension. High blood pressure increases the risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease, a stroke, or a heart attack. Given the seriousness of associated risks, it is important to be prepared to lower hypertension immediately when possible.

Some tactics patients with hypertension can use from home to get immediate relief include breathing exercises, taking a shower or a warm bath, or engaging in an activity or restful behavior that typically helps them relax as stress is a key component of high blood pressure.

These actions provide some much-needed immediate relief but the only way to truly conquer hypertension is with significant lifestyle changes and/or treatment.

Diuretics are typically the first line of treatment attempted for hypertension patients opting for drug therapy. Depending on other medical factors a physician may begin treatment in a different way. However, the most common treatment that can benefit every hypertension patient and offer preventative measures before the condition has the chance to develop is lifestyle changes.

A healthy lifestyle can prevent and treat high blood pressure. Some changes include losing weight if the patient is overweight, quitting smoking, developing a healthy eating plan, regular aerobic exercise, limiting alcohol, and reducing stress. Maintaining overall health and wellness provides many health benefits and helps regulate blood pressure.

For patients in West Virginia, Beckley Internal Medicine staff of medical professionals can help determine treatment and lifestyle changes that work for you. We are here to help improve your health and well-being, so reach out to us through the pages of our website today. We serve patients from Beckley WV, Bradley WV, Baylor WV, Stanaford WV, Lester WV, and Beaver WV.