High Blood Pressure
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Nightwater Medical Center
Primary Care Physician & Concierge Medicine located in the South Market District serving Downtown New Orleans and greater New Orleans, LA
High blood pressure affects nearly half of all adults in the United States, and it's a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. Though very common, only 25% of adults with high blood pressure have this chronic condition under control. Experienced primary care physician, Paul Ikemire, MD, at Nightwater Medical Center in Downtown New Orleans and greater New Orleans, Louisiana, takes a proactive and preventive approach to health and specializes in the medical management of high blood pressure. For comprehensive, personalized care, call the office or book an appointment online today.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a common chronic health condition. With high blood pressure, the force of blood against your blood vessel walls is higher than normal. Over time, the excess pressure causes your blood vessels to thicken and stiffen, which increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
High blood pressure damages not only your blood vessels but also other organs, as well. This damage may lead to other health complications such as kidney disease, vision loss, or dementia.
Your risk of developing high blood pressure increases as you get older, and affects almost everyone eventually. However, you may be at risk of developing the common chronic condition at an earlier age if it runs in your family, you’re a smoker, or you’re obese.
Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?
High blood pressure tends to develop slowly over many years, and you’re unlikely to experience any symptoms as the pressure in your blood vessels increases. Symptoms of high blood pressure generally only occur when your blood pressure numbers reach dangerous levels, causing headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath.
The only way to know if you have high blood pressure or are at risk of developing high blood pressure is to make sure you attend your annual wellness exam.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Nightwater Medical Center is a high-end primary care practice that takes a preventive and personalized approach to care. Whenever you come in for a visit, whether for your annual physical or treatment for a nagging cough, your provider checks your blood pressure. These regular blood pressure screenings establish a pattern and are used to make a formal diagnosis.
However, one high blood pressure reading at an office visit doesn’t mean you have high blood pressure. If your primary care provider at Nightwater Medical Center has concerns about your blood pressure, they may suggest you monitor your numbers with a home blood pressure machine.
In addition to your blood pressure, Nightwater Medical Center also performs heart disease and cardiovascular screenings, which may include:
- Fasting blood lipid profile
- Blood glucose check
- Body composition assessment
- Other lab tests
They also review your lifestyle habits, medical and family history, and conduct a physical exam.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Nightwater Medical Center takes a personalized and preventive approach to the management of high blood pressure. To improve your numbers and your health, your physician provides nutrition and fitness recommendations, as well as lifestyle management and education.
When needed, Nightwater Medical Center works with other health care specialists to ensure you get the tests and necessary treatments.
For a personalized approach to health care that can help you gain control over your high blood pressure, call the Nightwater Medical Center office or schedule online today.