Hypertension / High Blood Pressure Specialist

What causes hypertension?

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension develops over time with no apparent cause.

However, some factors play a role in the development of primary hypertension, such as a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure or physical changes in the body, such as altered kidney functioning.

Your risk of developing primary hypertension also increases due to lifestyle choices like a lack of physical activity or a poor diet.

Secondary hypertension develops from another medical condition, and it tends to arise quickly and is more severe than primary hypertension. Some causes of secondary hypertension include:

• Smoking
• Alcohol abuse
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid Issues
• Congenital heart defects

Your blood pressure readings are monitored at every visit to Premier Health Care Inc. in addition to your annual physicals to check for hypertension.

How does hypertension affect my health?

Blood pressure is the force of the blood as it moves through your body and pushes against the artery walls. When the force of the blood is too high (i.e., high blood pressure), it gradually damages those walls. That damage creates a coarse area that allows cholesterol to adhere to the arterial walls.

If that damage goes untreated, more cholesterol and substances can accumulate, narrow the arteries, and harden plaque. Narrow arteries create a condition called atherosclerosis, which causes coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease.

The continued accumulation of plaque blocks blood flow, forcing the heart to work extra hard to create blood flow and eventually exhausting the heart muscles and causing the heart to enlarge. An enlarged heart can cause heart attacks, arrhythmias, heart failure, or sudden cardiac death.

Additionally, plaque buildup reduces blood flow to the tissues, keeping them from receiving the oxygen and nutrients that the blood brings to them for survival. If that hardened plaque dislodges from the side of the artery, it can stick somewhere else, perhaps causing a heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure can also cause memory problems and affect your ability to learn, recall, speak, and reason. While treatment can’t reverse these effects, it can stabilize the symptoms and prevent them from getting worse.

How is hypertension treated?

Treating hypertension begins with addressing its causes. Dr. Cherukuri works with you to create a lifestyle plan that helps you live your healthiest life. Depending on the severity of your hypertension, you may need a prescription medication to lower your blood pressure.

To schedule your blood pressure screening or a physical exam, call or schedule an appointment online with Premier Health Care Inc. today.