More than half of all adults in the United States have hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. The problem is, many don’t even know it. Dr. Arthur Pinkhasov at Genuine Care Physician PC in Forest Hills, New York, closely monitors your blood pressure at every visit, and if your numbers are consistently high, he works with you to develop a plan to help you get your hypertension under control. For an evaluation, call the office at (516) 262-3612 or book an appointment online.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by a prolonged high force of pressure on the walls of your blood vessels.
Your blood pressure measurement consist of two numbers:
- Systolic blood pressure: Top number measures the force when your heart beats
- Diastolic blood pressure: Bottom number measures the force between beats
How do I know if I have hypertension?
Hypertension doesn’t always produce symptoms, so you may not even know you have it. Dr. Pinkhasov checks your blood pressure every time you come into the office to monitor your numbers.
- Normal blood pressure: Less than 120 mm Hg/80 mm Hg
- Elevated blood pressure: 120 to 129 mm Hg/80 mm Hg
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130 to 139 mm Hg/80 to 89 mm Hg
- Stage 2 hypertension: Greater than 140 mm Hg/90 mm Hg
One high blood pressure measurement doesn’t mean you have hypertension. Some people experience an increase in blood pressure when they see their doctor. To account for these false elevations in your blood pressure, Dr. Pinkhasov may recommend you track your blood pressure at home with a home monitoring machine or use the blood pressure machine at your local pharmacy.
However, some people may experience symptoms when their blood pressure is severely high. These symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
Can I manage hypertension without medication?
Yes, you can manage your hypertension without medication. In fact, Dr. Pinkhasov may first recommend lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure, including:
- Weight loss
- Stopping smoking
- Stress management
- Reducing salt intake
- Regular exercise
As a physician who advocates for wellness, Dr. Pinkhasov spends a lot of time with you developing a plan to not only bring your blood pressure back to normal, but also improve your overall health and quality of life.
What types of medications are used to control hypertension?
If you’re unable to bring your numbers down with lifestyle changes, Dr. Pinkhasov may prescribe antihypertensive medication. There are a number of types of these medications, including:
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
The medication Dr. Pinkhasov prescribes depends on your blood pressure numbers and your medical history.
If you have concerns about your blood pressure, call the office or book an appointment online.