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Hypertension Specialist

Pinnacle Healthcare System

Cardiology & Internal Medicine & Nephrology located in Hollywood, FL & Pembroke Pines, FL

Hypertension is known as the silent killer because most people don't know they have it. If you think you have high blood pressure, it’s important to take the right steps to get it under control. At Pinnacle Healthcare System in Hollywood and Pembroke Pines, Florida, the team can help you manage your hypertension and improve your overall health. To learn more about treatments for hypertension, call or book online to schedule an appointment.

Hypertension Q & A

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is a medical condition characterized by an increase in the pressure that blood flows through your arteries. When checking your blood pressure, your provider looks at two numbers: the systolic (top) number and the diastolic (bottom) number.

Systolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure during the heartbeat and diastolic pressure measures the pressure in between beats.

A blood pressure measurement of 120/80 mmHg is considered abnormal blood pressure. A blood pressure measurement of 140/90 mmHg or greater is considered high blood pressure, or hypertension.

What causes hypertension?

Genetics and lifestyle are the primary contributors to hypertension. Hypertension tends to run in families and scientists have identified some of the genes responsible for passing on the trait. However, genetics only accounts for about 3% of the cases of hypertension.

Lifestyle is more often the cause of hypertension, which includes:

  • Eating too much salt
  • Drinking alcohol in excess
  • Lack of exercise
  • Being overweight and obese

Medications that alter your fluid balance, including birth control and asthma medications, may also contribute to high blood pressure.

How can I manage my hypertension?

Better food choices, regular exercise, weight loss, and stress management are some changes you can make at home to help you get your blood pressure under control. 

At Pinnacle Healthcare System, the team has a thorough understanding of the role lifestyle plays in health. They take an active part in teaching you how to make these changes to not only lower your blood pressure but also to improve your overall health.

In addition to lifestyle changes, the Pinnacle Healthcare System team may prescribe medications to help improve your blood pressure quickly. 

There are a number of different types of hypertension medications, including diuretics, beta-blockers, and vasodilators, and the team prescribes one that fits your health needs.

To learn more about managing your blood pressure or if have concerns about heart health, book an appointment online or call Pinnacle Healthcare System today.