Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is the most widespread health condition affecting people across Georgia. This condition can lead to serious complications such as disease, stroke, and kidney damage if left untreated. Dr. Will Johnson is an expert in cardiovascular and metabolic health, offering personalized hypertension treatments designed to help patients manage their blood pressure and improve the overall quality of their lives. With experience and expertise, Dr. Johnson delivers quality treatment solutions and medical care with optimal results and better recovery.
In Georgia, approximately 35.7% of adults have been diagnosed with hypertension, and the risk is particularly high among adults aged 40 to 65. Effective hypertension management is crucial to avoid serious complications because many individuals still struggle to maintain optimal blood pressure control despite having hypertension treatments.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries that can damage them and your heart over time, resulting in serious health complications such as heart attacks and strokes.
Here are some causes & risk factors of hypertension:
Causes: Kidney disease, hormonal imbalances, obstructive sleep apnea, certain medications, and illicit drug use.
Risk Factors: Family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, stress, age, and medical conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol.
Health Risks of Untreated Hypertension
Neglecting high blood pressure can lead to risks of life-threatening conditions. Those who suffer from high blood pressure and do not receive treatment face a much higher risk of things like the following:
Heart Disease: Including heart attack and heart failure
Stroke: Due to blood vessels in the brain becoming blocked or weakened
Kidney Damage: Can lead to chronic kidney disease and kidney failure
Eye Problems: Damage to the blood vessels in the eye can lead to vision problems
Aneurysms: An aneurysm is a protruding artery that can rupture at any moment
A commitment to early detection and treatment of high blood pressure is crucial to prevent these conditions.
Dr. Johnson performs a thorough assessment that includes the following components:
Monitoring Blood Pressure: Dr. Johnson will monitor your blood pressure levels at different times to confirm a diagnosis of hypertension.
Medical History Review: Dr. Johnson evaluates risk factors, any family history of hypertension, and your lifestyle.
Physical Examination: Some physical tests are performed to evaluate for heart disease, kidney problems, or other serious complications.
Diagnostic Tests: Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine tests, EKG, and/or imaging, are performed to assess the causes of your disease.
There are several treatment options available for treating hypertension, including:
For many patients, the starting point of managing hypertension is the adoption of new habits. Dr. Johnson addresses:
Diet: Decreasing salt intake, eating healthy foods, and keeping a healthy body weight.
Physical Activity: Exercising regularly, for example, by walking, swimming, or cycling.
Stress Management: Using techniques to manage stress through things such as meditation, yoga, or counselling.
Smoking and Alcohol: Quitting smoking and drinking less alcohol.
If lifestyle changes alone are not enough, Dr. Johnson may oversee the initiation of medications. Dr. Johnson will consider the patient’s condition and medical history to make an informed treatment decision. The most common treatments include:
Diuretics: Medications that promote the elimination of extra sodium and fluid.
ACE Inhibitors and ARBs: Medications that relax blood vessels by blocking a specific hormone.
Beta Blockers: medications that lower heart rate and blood pressure.
Calcium Channel Blockers: medications that relax the arteries and increase blood flow. Patients often require a combination of medications for optimal results.
Some patients may experience resistant hypertension despite multiple medications. Dr. Johnson offers more advanced therapies for challenging cases and addresses the different components of blood pressure control.
Managing hypertension is a lifelong commitment. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of regular follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. Ongoing support may include:
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