More than 68 million Americans –– or about one in three adults –– have high blood pressure. Though common, this potentially life-threatening condition increases your risk of serious health problems, including a heart attack or stroke. At his practice in Glen Burnie, Maryland, Mahesh S. Ochaney, MD and Priyanka Ochaney Vyas, DO diagnose and treat high blood pressure. To schedule an appointment, call the office, or book online today. You can also schedule telehealth visits with practice during normal business hours, after business hours, or on weekends.
request an appointmentWhat is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pumping through your arteries remains high for an extended period. As you age, your arteries narrow, making it difficult for blood to flow comfortably through them. Over time, this resistance increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart disease.
High blood pressure doesn’t always present obvious symptoms, which makes early detection important. Fortunately, healthy lifestyle changes combined with prescription medication and regular check-ups can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.
What are the types of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure falls into two categories:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension occurs gradually over time. Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes primary hypertension, but several factors may play a role, including environment, genetics, and physical changes due to the natural aging process.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension occurs due to an underlying health problem. Often, it develops suddenly with little warning. Some of the most common causes of secondary hypertension include kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, heart disease, and thyroid disease.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure doesn’t always present symptoms early on. Over time, you might experience:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Visual changes
- Chest pain
If you or a loved one develops any of these symptoms and they’re severe, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room right away.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
To diagnose high blood pressure at Ochaney Medical Associates, LLC an inflatable cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge is used. A normal, healthy blood pressure reading is at or below 120/80 mm Hg. Any reading above that indicates high blood pressure.
If you have high blood pressure, we may recommend several follow-up appointments over the course of a few days or weeks. To officially diagnose high blood pressure at Ochaney Medical Associates, LLC, we need to ensure that it is a sustained problem.
If your blood pressure remains high after a series of tests we develop a custom treatment plan focused on achieving optimal heart health.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Treatment for high blood pressure usually includes a combination of healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication. For example, Dr. Ochaney and Dr. Vyas might recommend you eat a balanced, nutritious diet, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and keep your stress levels in check.
Various medications can help manage high blood pressure, including:
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers
The medication that’s right for you depends on your age, health history, and the severity of your blood pressure.
To learn more about treatment for high blood pressure, request a consultation at the practice of Ochaney Medical Associates, LLC Book an appointment online or call the office today.