Hypertension Specialist
Almost half of the United States adult population has hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Although untreated hypertension makes you vulnerable to stroke, heart failure, and other dangerous conditions, you don’t have to take that risk. At CPI Physicians, dedicated and experienced board-certified physicians Abul Azad, MD, and Najiib Azad, DO, can help you manage hypertension to stay well. Don’t risk your life over a controllable condition. Call the Albany, New York, office or use the online booking tool for prompt attention from the caring staff.
Hypertension Q&A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a serious condition in which the pressure of your blood on your artery walls is too high.
Usually, hypertension doesn’t cause symptoms, which is one reason it’s so dangerous. You could unknowingly have hypertension and then suffer a stroke or heart attack.
At every visit to CPI Physicians, an experienced team member checks your blood pressure to make sure you’re in a healthy range and that the reading isn’t significantly different from the last time you visited.
What does my blood pressure reading mean?
Your blood pressure reading includes two numbers, denoting systolic and diastolic pressure. Both are measured in millimeters of mercury, expressed as mmHg.
The first number is your systolic blood pressure, which means the pressure inside your arteries as your heart muscle beats. The second number is your diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure within your arteries between heartbeats.
Normal blood pressure
Normal blood pressure is less than 120 mmHg (systolic) and less than 80 mmHg (diastolic). A normal blood pressure reading might look like 119/78 mmHg.
Elevated blood pressure
Elevated blood pressure is 120-129/less than 80 mmHg.
Hypertension, stage 1
Stage 1 hypertension is a systolic reading of 130-139 mmHg or a diastolic reading of 80-89 mmHg.
Hypertension, stage 2
Stage 2 hypertension is a systolic reading 140 mmHg or higher, or a diastolic reading of 90 mmHg or higher.
Stage 1 and 2 hypertension are both serious medical conditions requiring medical care. Elevated blood pressure is serious as well because it typically becomes hypertension without intervention.
What is the treatment for hypertension?
CPI Physicians offers individualized hypertension care that focuses on your needs and health. If you have elevated blood pressure, diet and exercise changes can likely reduce your blood pressure.
If you still have elevated blood pressure after making changes, your doctor can prescribe medicine to help. They may prescribe medications like diuretics, which help your kidneys flush out water and sodium to decrease your blood volume and lower your blood pressure.
Other types of medicine, like ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers, help your blood vessels relax to reduce your blood pressure.
If you have hypertension due to underlying conditions like obstructive sleep apnea or thyroid problems, it’s called secondary hypertension. Your doctor treats the causative condition and that often normalizes your blood pressure.
Reach out for hypertension help from the specialists at CPI Physicians using online booking or call the office today.
