Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high, often leading to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

At Family Health Care & Wellness Center in Hammond, Louisiana, annual wellness visits are crucial for adults to effectively lower and manage their blood pressure. During these visits, healthcare professionals conduct thorough evaluations that include blood pressure monitoring, blood tests, and assessments of overall cardiovascular health. Personalized care plans are developed, encompassing lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes, increased physical activity, weight management, and stress reduction techniques.

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What causes hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The primary causes include:

• Genetic factors:
  • Family history of hypertension
  • Genetic predisposition
• Lifestyle factors:
  • Diet: High intake of salt (sodium), low intake of potassium, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating habits.
  • Physical inactivity: Sedentary lifestyle with little to no regular physical exercise.
  • Obesity: Excess body weight increases the workload on the heart.
  • Smoking: Tobacco use can damage blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
• Health conditions:
  • Chronic kidney disease: Impaired kidney function can lead to increased blood pressure.
  • Diabetes: Poorly managed blood sugar levels can contribute to hypertension.
  • Sleep apnea: Breathing interruptions during sleep can raise blood pressure.
• Age and gender:
  • Risk increases with age.
  • Men are more likely to develop hypertension before age 55, while women are more likely to develop it after age 55.
• Stress: Chronic stress can lead to temporary increases in blood pressure and contribute to long-term hypertension.

Understanding these factors is essential for preventing and managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and medical intervention.

What are the signs & symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has no noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. However, some individuals may experience signs and symptoms when blood pressure levels are extremely high. These include:

Because hypertension often presents without symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are essential for early detection and management. Routine monitoring can help identify hypertension before it leads to serious complications such as heart attack, stroke, or kidney damage. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly.

Schedule annual wellness exams in Hammond, LA

Managing hypertension is crucial for maintaining long-term health, and an annual wellness exam at Family Health Care & Wellness Center in Hammond, Louisiana is an essential step for adults with high blood pressure.

These comprehensive exams allow our healthcare professionals to monitor your blood pressure, assess your overall cardiovascular health, and develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. By regularly evaluating your condition, we can help you make necessary lifestyle changes, prescribe effective medications, and provide ongoing support to keep your blood pressure in check. Early detection and consistent management significantly reduce the risk of serious complications like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.

Take control of your health today by scheduling an annual wellness exam. Call 985-543-6800 or fill out the appointment request form on our website to secure your spot and start your journey toward better health with Family Health Care & Wellness Center.