High Blood Pressure Treatment Specialist

Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven

Internists located in Cheshire, CT & Hamden, CT

Nearly half of all adult Americans have high blood pressure. This condition has no outward symptoms, but slowly does damage to your circulatory system and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. At Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven, the team diagnose and offer effective treatment for this silent killer. If you live in Cheshire, Guilford, Hamden, Milford, North Haven, Meriden, Wallingford, West Haven, and Stratford, Connecticut, or the surrounding area, call the office or book an appointment online to have your blood pressure checked today.

High Blood Pressure Treatment Q & A

What defines high blood pressure?

When the force of blood pushing against your blood vessels is much higher than normal, you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure — or hypertension. The staff measures blood pressure with two numbers expressed as one over the other. The top number represents your systolic pressure — or the pressure when your heart muscle contracts; the bottom number represents your diastolic pressure — or the pressure between contractions.

Your blood pressure is considered elevated when it’s between 120 and 129 over 80 (or lower.) You’re diagnosed with high blood pressure when it reaches 130 over 80 — or higher.

What are the complications if high blood pressure goes untreated?

High blood pressure can persist for years before you notice the serious effects it has had on your system. Complications of high blood pressure include:

Heart attack and/or stroke
Kidney disease or failure
Vision loss
Sexual dysfunction
Chest pain, known as angina
Heart failure

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

Because it’s largely symptomless, regular checks are essential. If you come in for a physical or any other medical check, the staff evaluates your blood pressure. When the numbers are too high and before a definitive diagnosis is made, you’ll be asked to return in a few weeks to have it re-evaluated and/or asked to evaluate it at home to determine if it’s consistently elevated before a definitive diagnosis.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Lifestyle changes and medication go a long way in managing high blood pressure

At Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven, the staff can counsel you on how to follow a well-balanced, low-salt diet and moderate alcohol intake. If you’re overweight, they can also help you take steps to get to a healthier size, which also improves blood pressure. Regular physical activity and reducing stress levels also help. If you smoke, quit, as this also raises your blood pressure and contributes to a number of other health problems.

You may be prescribed one or more medications to help you manage your high blood pressure. Take these as directed and communicate with the team at Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven about any concerns you may have or to discuss side effects.

Regular blood pressure checks are a crucial part of your health maintenance. Call or book an appointment online to schedule yours today.

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