Hypertension is a condition resulting from lifestyle choices that affects Conroe, Texas residents, but genetics may play a role as well. Kyle Scarborough at Family Life Medical can help patients manage their hypertension as effectively as possible, including both lifestyle adjustments and medication as needed.
Hypertension is better known as high blood pressure. High blood pressure is most often diagnosed in people who have certain risk factors. Age is a leading risk factor, as the risk for high blood pressure grows as a person ages.
Other potential risk factors include:. Most people who develop high blood pressure have 1 or more of these risk factors at the time of their diagnosis. High blood pressure is often diagnosed during wellness exams or at other visits to the doctor.
A medical tool called a sphygmomanometer checks the blood pressure by inflating a cuff attached to the patient's upper arm. This test takes just a few minutes or less and quickly reveals the patient's blood pressure. Although anyone can have an abnormal blood pressure reading at one time or another, patients who consistently have high blood pressure readings are diagnosed with hypertension.
High blood pressure can lead to heart failure, stroke, and even death. To avoid the serious and potentially deadly effects of high blood pressure, diagnosis and medical management are essential. One of the most frightening things about hypertension is that it rarely causes symptoms until it's very advanced.
