
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious but common medical condition. High blood pressure is brought on by the flow of blood exerting excessive force on the walls of your blood vessels. Over time, the extra pressure damages delicate blood vessels and vital organs, including your heart.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is known as the “silent killer.” You can have high blood pressure even if you have no symptoms, but there are a few warning signs to look for, including:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
The onset of high blood pressure doesn’t happen right away but gradually over time, which is why high-quality preventive care from Family Care Specialists Medical Group is so important.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Your provider at Family Care Specialists Medical Group examines you and takes a full medical history. You’ll have your blood pressure tested with an inflatable cuff called a sphygmomanometer. The cuff records two numbers:
- Top number: your systolic blood pressure, the pressure of your blood during heartbeats
- Bottom number: your diastolic pressure, the pressure of your blood when your heart rests between beats
Here’s how the blood pressure test works:
- Your provider places the cuff around your arm and gradually inflates it
- The tightening cuff briefly compresses your brachial artery, which temporarily stops the blood flow
- Your practitioner listens to your blood pressure with a stethoscope or an electronic monitor as the air slowly leaves the cuff
Normal blood pressure is under 120/80 mmHg. If your blood pressure readings are higher than that over several readings, there’s a good chance you have high blood pressure.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Your provider at Family Care Specialists Medical Group will talk with you about making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle as a good first step. These changes can include:
- Exercising regularly
- Stopping smoking
- Limiting your salt intake
- Eating healthy, nutritious meals
- Cutting back on alcoholic beverages
- Shedding extra pounds
Your provider might suggest prescription medications to lower your chances of serious high blood pressure-related conditions, such as a stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.
If you think you have high blood pressure and you want to take a proactive step toward your lasting health, call or schedule an appointment online with Family Care Specialists Medical Group.
Primary care and beyond.
Family Care Specialists provides comprehensive primary care services for individuals of all ages in Los Angeles, with locations in Boyle Heights, Highland Park, and Montebello. The bilingual team offers care in clinics, hospitals, and nursing homes, emphasizing preventive health, senior services, OB/GYN care, mental health support, and urgent care options.
Primary Care
Provides primary care for every member of the family, no matter their age.
OB-GYN
Specialize in women’s health, including common primary care.
Urgent Care
Offering high-quality, compassionate care to address your urgent care needs.
Pediatrics
Specialize in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.