Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure is one of the most common heart health issues around today – affecting more thank 46% of all US adults. Sometimes known as the “silent killer”, most Americans don’t even know they have it! And while high blood pressure is dangerous in itself, it is known to cause even deadlier issues such as heart attack, strokes, or even kidney failure. This is whyits important for patients to seek out hypertension treatment from a qualified cardiologist, who is experienced in the dealing with hypertension issues. Using the online service DocChecker, you are able to search for doctors and other medical professionals using their intuitive search. The DocChecker search options allow you to enter a medical specialty, as well as a reason for a visit. This is a very helpful tool – while a doctor may not be a cardiologist, he may still have experience in dealing with hypertension related issues, ie. as we mentioned earlier, stroke or kidney failure. Before you look for a doctor, you should understand as much as you can about hypertension, as with changes in the American Heart Association, much of the guidelines for high blood pressure treatment have changed. For instance, a blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury), it’s considered high and can have long-term effects to your health. Here are 4 other important facts to know about hypertension and hypertension treatment.
Blood Pressure Needs to Be Monitored RegularlyRegardless of your status as a heart patient or not, you should try to get your blood pressure checked at least once per year. If you are a heart patient or might be in need of high blood pressure treatment, you will need to have it checked more often. Using a service like DocChecker can help you to find a cardiologist or someone who specializes in heart health, located near you. Plus, one important thing about hypertension treatment is that in order to confirm a diagnosis, your doctor must have multiple blood pressure readings – taken at different points, as blood pressure is known to fluctuate throughout the day.
Risk Factors for High Blood PressureCertain people, especially those who are older, will need to have their bp taken far more frequently than others. In addition, certain risk factors make it far more likely that you will need high blood pressure treatment. Risk factors include:
For those who have high blood pressure treatment is important, but close monitoring will let you keep an eye on your current levels in order to see if your bp is spiking or not. For these patients it is important to have a BP monitor at home. The best devices are cuffed above your elbow, rather than ones that are cuffed at the wrist or those that have a finger monitor. The monitors that have cuffs at the elbow are far better and are known to get more accurate readings. In addition, these monitors are often poorly fit and if they are too large or too small, you will likely not get an accurate reading.
Lookout for Signs of Heart Attack or StrokeHeart attacks and strokes are extremely common for those patients who suffer fromhypertension, therefore you should know when these life-threatening issues could arise. Signs of an impending stroke include: slurred speech and blurry vision. If you notice these things or begin acting strangely, call 911 immediately. Signs of a heart attack are different however, in men they include: chest pain, nausea, and cold or clammy skin. While women often complain of sudden-onset shortness of breath with or without chest pressure, generalized fatigue, and nausea with or without vomiting.
Hypertension is a serious issue, and one that should deal with right away. If you are in need of hypertension treatment and are struggling to find the right physician in your area, check out DocChecker online today – look through a database full of the country’s best.