Hypertension Treatment in Lawrence, KS

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure (HBP), is a very common issue that affects 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. High blood pressure is the result of blood pushing against the artery walls with too much force, which can put stress on the arteries and the heart. Since high blood pressure does not usually produce any noticeable symptoms, it's possible to have the condition without knowing it. With proper diagnosis and treatment by a trained specialist, it's possible to keep your blood pressure under control and reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. The experienced family physicians at Lawrence Family Practice Center treat hypertension in patients of all ages in Lawrence, KS. Reach out to our friendly team to set up an appointment.

Hypertension treatment in Lawrence, KS at Lawrence Family Practice Center can help you address your high blood pressure to improve your quality of life with a variety of benefits, including:

• Treatments are personalized for your health needs
• Provides early diagnosis of potential issues
• Helps control blood pressure
• Supports better treatment outcomes
• Improves overall health and well-being
• Reduces risks for serious health events

For the vast majority of cases, hypertension has no discernable symptoms or markers. In some rare cases, people may have hypertension headaches, difficulty breathing, blurry vision, or a bleeding nose. However, these symptoms are not necessarily indicative of high blood pressure. The typical lack of symptoms makes knowing and checking your blood pressure essential to your health. If you do have high blood pressure or are at risk for hypertension, the practitioners at Lawrence Family Practice Center can help.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is diagnosed through a series of blood pressure readings taken by healthcare professionals at Lawrence Family Practice Center. The process involves measuring the systolic and diastolic pressures, typically presented as a ratio, such as 120/80 mm Hg. Blood pressure is considered high if it consistently reads 130/80 mm Hg or higher. We will take your blood pressure reading during appointments at our office or you may be asked to monitor your blood pressure numbers at home to develop a consistent record of readings. Our physicians use these readings to assess symptoms and medical history to diagnose hypertension accurately. Patients in the Lawrence, KS area who are experiencing these symptoms or concerns about hypertension are encouraged to arrange a consultation with our team for a comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

During an exam at Lawrence Family Practice Center, an inflatable cuff will be placed around your arm in order to provide an accurate blood pressure reading. If hypertension (a reading of 140/90 or higher) is detected, your doctor will work with you to provide a customized treatment plan for blood pressure management. We often advise lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising, decreasing stress, and cutting back on sodium and alcohol. In more severe cases, hypertension medication, such as beta-blockers or diuretics, may be prescribed.

Hypertension usually develops over time and is often caused by multiple factors working in concert. In many cases, it's related to lifestyle factors such as poor diet (especially high salt intake), lack of exercise, and excessive tobacco or alcohol use. Stress also plays a significant role. In some people, it's due to underlying conditions like kidney disease, thyroid conditions, or hormonal disorders. Genetics can make certain individuals more susceptible. Age and race can also influence hypertension risk.

What are the risks of untreated hypertension?
If left untreated, hypertension can lead to additional health concerns, such as heart issues, stroke, kidney damage, and eye disease. This is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as hypertension has been detected. Early detection and treatment can help reduce your risk for a more serious medical concern.

How do I know which hypertension treatment is right for me?
After a thorough evaluation at Lawrence Family Practice Center, our team will create an appropriate treatment plan based on your unique needs. Treatment methods could vary depending on the severity of your hypertension, lifestyle, and other factors. We will also take into account your medical history and if any previous treatment methods have proven to be ineffective.

Can hypertension be cured?
Though there is no cure for hypertension, it can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications. Once hypertension has been detected, management treatment can be implemented in order to keep your condition from worsening. It may also be suggested that you continue to monitor your blood pressure at home on a regular basis.

Will losing weight lower my blood pressure?

For many individuals, particularly those who are overweight or obese, losing weight in a healthy and appropriate way can help to reduce blood pressure and improve a number of other health conditions. Still, additional lifestyle changes and therapies may be needed.

What else can I do to lower my blood pressure at home?

While it is not always possible to lower your blood pressure to the normal range on your own, there are certainly a variety of things you can do to make a significant impact on you blood pressure and overall health, including exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, not smoking, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, increasing the quality and quantity of your sleep, and others.

Will blood pressure medication interfere with my other medications?

Before starting, stopping, or adjusting any medications, it is critical to speak with your doctor(s) to better understand how some of your prescriptions may interact with others.

Your blood pressure numbers are an important indicator of your overall health. If you think you might have high blood pressure or if you have hypertension that has gone untreated, it's a good idea to seek medical treatment. The caring team at Lawrence Family Practice Center provides effective solutions for high blood pressure in Lawrence, KS. Schedule your visit today.