Are You Struggling With Hypertension?

Are You Struggling with Hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, means high tension in the arteries. The arteries are responsible for transporting the blood from the heart to all the body's organs and tissues. If your blood pressure is higher than normal, it increases your risk of heart attack or stroke. The good news is hypertension can be managed. Dr. Antoine Geffrard is a doctor at RMS Consultations in Southfield, MI. He can evaluation or hypertension and discuss your treatment options.

How is Your Blood Pressure Measured?

A blood pressure measurement has two numbers, for example, 120/80. The upper number—the systolic pressure—denotes the pressure in your arteries just after your heart has contracted. The lower number—the diastolic pressure—denotes the pressure in your arteries when your heart is relaxed, before the next contraction. Doctors consider 120/80 to be ‘normal’. An abnormal reading is currently considered to be one that has a systolic pressure exceeding 160 and a diastolic pressure exceeding 90.

The Two Types of Hypertension

  • Essential (or primary) hypertension: no specific cause can be found to explain why a person is suffering from hypertension.
  • Secondary Hypertension: this is a sign that high blood pressure is a result of an underlying condition such as renal disease, for example.

Hypertension can be especially dangerous if you have no symptoms and you are not aware that you have a problem. This is why it’s important to get your blood pressure checked regularly. If left untreated, over time, high blood pressure can cause the blood vessels to weaken and tear causing an aneurysm or stroke that can be fatal.

High blood pressure can lead to increased risk of a number of other diseases including:

  • Heart disease
  • Hardening of the arteries
  • Eye damage

Southfield residents who do not have high blood pressure should get their blood pressure checked by Dr. Geffrard at least every five years. As you get older, or if you have high blood pressure, you should get it checked more often.

If you live in Southfield and you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss your hypertension, you can reach Dr. Geffrard on (248) 663-5353.

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