If you are an American adult, there is a 1 in 3 chance that you have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Known as the “silent killer,” high blood pressure – or hypertension – typically has no warning signs or symptoms. The main type of high blood pressure that is seen at Platte River Medical Clinic is called essential – or primary – hypertension. This type of high blood pressure “tends to develop gradually over many years,” according to the Mayo Clinic.
Although essential hypertension can be hard to self detect, you can find out if you have hypertension by getting your blood pressure read at annual well visit checks.
I have High Blood Pressure: What’s Next?
So, your doctor determined you have hypertension, but there is good news. You and your medical provider, or one of the providers at Platte River Medical Clinic, can work together to control it. Some risk factors that you and your medical provider might discuss are:
- Age According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure is more common in men younger than 64 years and for women aged 65 and older.
- Family History
- Race People of African heritage typically develop high blood pressure at younger ages than whites, according to the Mayo Clinic.
- Level of Physical Activity
- Tobacco and Alcohol Use
- Diet A diet rich in sodium and lacking in potassium can contribute to hypertension.
- Stress
Once you have the initial discussion with your medical provider, our practice recommends follow-ups at least every six to 12 months. You will have a starting point for your treatment plan and will be able to monitor your risk factors such as your level of physical activity, tobacco and alcohol use, diet, and stress level.
Complications: Why it’s Important to Act Now
Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to complications. According to the American Heart Association, untreated high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart failure, vision loss, heart attack, sexual dysfunction, or kidney disease or failure.
It is important to get your blood pressure checked at your annual well visit checks. The Platte River Medical Clinic in Brighton, Colo., has a team of providers who can help you manage your high blood pressure and develop a treatment plan. Please give us a call at 303-659-7600 to schedule a same-day or next-day appointment with one of our medical providers. Click here to learn more about our providers.
