Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a condition in which the heart has to work too hard to pump blood. While this is generally not an immediate problem, long-term hypertension can lead to a variety of life-threatening complications, including stroke and heart failure.
Diagnosis
Hypertension is typically diagnosed by a doctor during a basic exam. In many instances, a your blood pressure is taken as part of a routine physical examination. A nurse or other health professional may take a simple, non-invasive reading of your blood pressure using a blood pressure cuff. If the provider notices your blood pressure is initially too high, another reading may be taken 10 minutes later. If your blood pressure is still too high, several approaches are often considered to reduce it to acceptable levels.
Initial Treatments
In many instances, a doctor will ask you to come back within three months to check if your blood pressure still exceeds health guidelines. In the meantime, many health care providers will suggest non-invasive measures. Such measures typically include increasing the amount of exercise you get each day. You may also be told to reduce your daily salt consumption and eating patterns. The DASH diet, which is designed to help increase consumption of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, is often recommended for those at risk of complications due to high blood pressure.
Tests
A doctor may also suggest a series of tests. These tests are designed to help rule out other causes of high blood pressure. Very often, your kidneys will be examined by CAT scan to check for any abnormalities. Your hormone levels may also be checked via blood tests. Thyroid problems can raise the levels of certain hormones in the body, and increasing your chances of developing high blood pressure.
In most testing instances, no other source will be found for a patient's elevated blood pressure readings. Sometimes elevated blood pressure only shows up in a doctor's office. This is known as "white-coat hypertension." White-coat hypertension is still considered potentially dangerous, as it may indicate that a patient's blood pressure is still too high under other stressful circumstances.
Medical Treatments
If you are still suffering from hypertension after making lifestyle changes, medications may be prescribed to help reduce your blood pressure. Your doctor may prescribe a low-dose medication, such as a beta blocker. You will then be asked to visit the doctor in a month to see if the medication is working. In many instances, a single medication may not be enough to lower your blood pressure to healthy levels. In that case, a doctor may prescribe several medications to find which combination of medications works best.
