Heart Disease & Hypertension Management
Nearly half of American adults suffer from hypertension, a medical condition that can lead to severe complications, but many people don’t even know they have it. Family care physician Tanya Pandya, DO and the expert team at Pandya Medical Center in Alpharetta, Braselton, Cumming, Dawsonville, Johns Creek, Georgia, can diagnose and treat hypertension before a serious problem develops. If you’re looking for a primary care physician who focuses on preventive care in the Dawson, Hall, Fulton, Forsyth, Gwinnett and Jackson counties, call Pandya Medical Center or book an appointment online today.
Heart Disease & Hypertension FAQs
What is hypertension?
High blood pressure is sometimes called “the silent killer” because it typically develops gradually and without symptoms.
Fortunately, the team at Pandya Medical Center can easily detect hypertension by monitoring your blood pressure during routine exams. Once you know you have hypertension, they work with you to get your blood pressure under control.
What are risk factors for hypertension?
Some risk factors for hypertension are out of your control, such as age, family history, or certain medical conditions. Although it’s possible to get hypertension as a young adult, your chances of developing this condition increase with age. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, may also increase your risk.
Many lifestyle choices can increase your risk of developing hypertension, such as:
- Being overweight or obese
- Chewing or smoking tobacco
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Not getting regular exercise
- Mental stress
- Eating a poor diet
What are the complications of hypertension?
Over time, the effects of high blood pressure on your cardiovascular system can cause severe damage, including the following problems:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Vision loss
- Heart failure
- Kidney disease or failure
- Angina, or microvascular disease
- Sexual dysfunction
- Peripheral artery disease
How do you treat hypertension?
If you have hypertension, the medical professionals at Pandya Medical Center work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to control your blood pressure. In most cases, simple lifestyle changes are incredibly effective at managing high blood pressure.
Depending on your unique situation, your physician or clinical nutritionist at Pandya Medical Center may recommend the following lifestyle changes:
- Eating a healthy diet with less salt
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting alcohol consumption
If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure.
If you think you may be at risk for hypertension, call or click online to schedule an appointment at Pandya Medical Center today.