High blood pressure (or hypertension) affects millions of Americans, yet it often goes undetected or poorly managed. Why? Because on its own, hypertension typically causes no symptoms. For many people, it’s not until major — even life-threatening — complications occur that they realize their blood pressure is too high.
Fortunately, managing your blood pressure safely and effectively isn’t difficult. For most people, lifestyle changes combined with medication (when needed) can make a major difference in your blood pressure and your overall cardiovascular wellness.
As a leading cardiovascular specialist, Anthony B. Lewis, MD, FACC, helps patients at TLC Medical Group Inc. manage their blood pressure through individualized care tailored to each person’s unique needs. Here, learn four simple but very effective steps you can take to help keep your blood pressure under control.
Routine blood pressure checks are an important part of most doctor visits, but they only provide a single snapshot of your health. Taking your blood pressure regularly at home provides a much clearer picture of your true blood pressure readings and how they fluctuate throughout your day.
Not only can regular blood pressure readings identify an issue earlier, but if you already have hypertension, they can also show how well your current treatment plan is working as intended.
Fortunately, there are plenty of home monitors on the market, including automatic monitors that make it easy to capture readings at a moment’s notice. Keep track of your blood pressure readings each time you take them, and bring the log with you to your appointment.
While some blood pressure issues can be managed with lifestyle changes, many people take medication to keep their pressure under control. If you’ve been prescribed medication, taking it as directed is one of the most important things you can do to manage your condition.
Blood pressure medicines work in different ways, helping blood vessels relax, removing excess fluid, or reducing the strain on your heart. Skipping doses reduces these benefits and can cause dangerous “rebound” effects.
Having trouble remembering your medicine? Set an alarm on your phone, or tie your medication routine to something you already do every day, like eating breakfast or brushing your teeth when you get up or before bed. If you have any side effects, call our office so we can adjust your medication or your dose — never stop taking your medication on your own.
Most of us know a diet high in salt can cause blood pressure to spike. But what you might not know is that some everyday medications and supplements you take can affect your blood pressure, too — sometimes without you realizing it.
For example, decongestants used for colds and allergies, some types of pain relievers, and certain nutritional or herbal supplements can raise blood pressure or interfere with the effectiveness of your medication. Before taking any new over-the-counter medicine or supplement, check with our office to make sure it won’t cause unexpected problems.
Another tip: Keep an updated list of everything you take — prescription medications, vitamins, herbal products, and other over-the-counter supplements or medicines. During your office visits, share your list with our team so we can make sure your overall health plan is on track and optimized for you.
Hypertension is a chronic condition, which means it needs ongoing monitoring and management. What’s more, your blood pressure can change with age or in response to other underlying health issues, whether or not they're diagnosed.
Making — and keeping — regular appointments with our team gives us the opportunity to review your readings, check how you're responding to treatment, suggest lifestyle changes, and provide guidance in other ways as needed.
Plus, regular visits give you a chance to ask questions and discuss your daily habits. Making checkups part of your healthcare regimen helps you feel more confident about your care and your overall health and wellness, especially as you get older.
Living with high blood pressure doesn't mean putting your life on hold. With the right treatment plan and ongoing support from our team, you can take meaningful steps to protect your heart and feel more confident about managing your overall health, especially as you get older.
To have your blood pressure or heart health evaluated, or to ensure your current treatment plan is on track, request an appointment online or by phone with Dr. Lewis and the team at TLC Medical Group in Port St. Lucie, Florida, today.
