In recent years, the number of Americans with hypertension skyrocketed beyond 100 million. If you have hypertension, trust the skill and care you’ll get from Nneka Edokpayi, MD, at one of her Rapha Health and Wellness offices in Houston or Sugar Land, Texas. For screenings, education, and a partner for your health, call the office or use the online scheduling feature.
Hypertension Q & A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. It means the force of your blood coursing through your veins is constantly too much. Over time, this intense pressure creates complications and increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.
How do I know if I have hypertension?
A simple blood pressure test at Dr. Edokpayi’s office tells you if you have high blood pressure. You receive your reading as one number over the other.
The first number is the systolic and measures the pressure of your arteries when they contract. The second number is diastolic and assesses the artery pressure between each heartbeat.
Blood pressure guidelines are:
- Normal: less than 120/80
- Elevated: 120-129/less than 80
- Stage 1: 130-139 or 80-89
- Stage 2: 140 or more/90 or more
- Hypertension crisis:180 or more/120 or more
If your blood pressure readings are high, Dr. Edokpayi intervenes to help you bring the numbers into safe levels.
What are the dangers of hypertension?
The constant excess pressure on your blood vessels can lead to a number of detrimental health problems, including:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disorders
- Aneurysm
- Vision loss
- Cognitive difficulties
- Dementia
Additionally, men and women with hypertension frequently suffer from sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction or low libido.
What causes hypertension?
An underlying condition may be the culprit for your hypertension. Dr. Edokpayi is relentless in her pursuit of root causes and focuses her practice on treating you holistically, not just your symptoms.
Some common causes she’s discovered include:
- Thyroid problems
- Sleep apnea
- Inactivity
- Poor diet
- Kidney disorders
- Tobacco use
Aging and family history also play a role in hypertension.
What is the treatment for hypertension?
Dr. Edokpayi works with you to build a lifestyle plan to help you manage your high blood pressure with as few prescriptions as possible. Regular exercise and a healthy diet go a long way to lower your blood pressure, so she includes these in everyone’s plan.
Depending on your unique needs, your treatment options may also include:
- Alpha blockers
- Beta blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Receptor blockers
Dr. Edokpayi works with you to get control of your high blood pressure. She comes to your home or meets with you in one of the Rapha Health and Wellness offices. Call to schedule or book online.