Why High Blood Pressure Shouldn’t Be Ignored: Risks and Complications

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to heart damage. It’s also a condition that can be treated. Don’t ignore your high blood pressure because your doctor can help. Dr. Luis Castillo and Dr. Carmen Torres at Castillo & Torres provide various medical services, including diagnosis, treatment, and managing high blood pressure. They have convenient locations in Palm Springs & Coconut Creek, FL, to help you.

What You Need To Know About High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a measurement of blood flowing through your arteries. Blood pressure rises if narrowed arteries impair blood flow due to fat buildup on the artery walls. A normal blood pressure measurement for a healthy adult is about 120/80. You have high blood pressure if your blood pressure is higher than that.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure may have no signs or symptoms, so it is known as the “silent killer.” If you develop signs and symptoms, they may be mild and easy to ignore. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of high blood pressure include:

• Dizziness and headaches
• Facial flushing
• Blood spots in your eyes
• Mild chest discomfort

Annual visits with your doctor can help detect high blood pressure so it can be treated. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive physical examination, including measuring your blood pressure. If your doctor determines you have high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend:

• Medication to lower blood pressure
• Medication to lower cholesterol levels
• Dietary modifications to reduce fat and salt
• Exercise modifications to enhance heart health

Untreated high blood pressure can lead to heart damage, a stroke, or a heart attack. It’s important to do everything you can to manage high blood pressure, including:

• Avoiding tobacco use and limiting alcohol consumption
• Exercising regularly at least 30 minutes on most days of the week
• Limiting your intake of salt and caffeine
• Eating lean meats like fish and poultry and avoiding red meat
• Eating natural foods when you can and avoiding fried, greasy, or fast food
• Eating complex carbohydrates like grains and vegetables instead of simple carbohydrates like sugars
• Eating low-fat or nonfat dairy products instead of full-fat dairy products
• Practicing stress management techniques
• Checking your blood pressure regularly

Want To Know More About High Blood Pressure?

Talk with the experts to learn more about the risks and complications of untreated high blood pressure. Call Dr. Luis Castillo and Dr. Carmen Torres at Castillo & Torres in Palm Springs, FL. You can reach them at their two office locations: Coconut Creek, FL, at (954) 727-8848, and Palm Springs, FL, at (561) 324-7224.