Hypertension has no symptoms but is quite common and slowly damages your internal organs. Screening and treatment for this condition, also known as high blood pressure, is available at Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center in Newark, New Jersey. Virginia Atieh, FNP, and Selande Charles, FNP, help you manage hypertension with lifestyle changes and medication so you prevent complications and long-term damage. Call today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.

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What is hypertension?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, describes the condition in which your blood pumps too forcefully against the walls of your arteries. When you have high blood pressure, you’re at greater risk for heart attack and stroke, two of the leading causes of death in the United States today.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Hypertension doesn’t cause outward symptoms until you’re in crisis. The only way to reliably detect it is to get screened regularly. 

Whenever you come to Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center, your blood pressure is checked. If you have readings higher than 120/80 mm Hg, you’re at risk of developing hypertension. A reading above 130/80 mm Hg at three consecutive visits warrants a hypertension diagnosis.

Who is at risk of developing hypertension?

As you age, your risk of hypertension increases. You’re also at greater risk of developing the condition if you have:

  • A family history of the disease
  • Weight issues
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Too much sodium and too little potassium in your diet
  • Excessive stress

Everyone benefits from regular blood pressure checks, but if you have risk factors, it’s especially important you get checked regularly. 

What complications are associated with hypertension?

When hypertension goes unmanaged, you’re at greater risk of health emergencies like:

  • Heart attack or stroke
  • Aneurysm
  • Kidney problems
  • Heart failure
  • Dementia
  • Metabolic syndrome

Unmanaged blood pressure only gets worse with time and puts you at an even higher risk of experiencing complications.

How is hypertension treated?

At Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center, the providers emphasize lifestyle changes first to help you get your blood pressure numbers under control. If you’re overweight, losing a few pounds can help. Also, adopting a heart-healthy diet that has less sodium and committing to regular physical activity are positive steps. 

You may also be prescribed medication to help you manage your hypertension. Going on medication doesn’t mean you can ignore recommendations about changing your lifestyle. Rather, it’s a compliment to those efforts. 

You can regularly monitor your blood pressure at home with an at-home blood-pressure cuff or come in regularly to Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center to do so. 

Get your blood pressure checked right away. Call Hope & Esperanza Community Health Center today or use the online tool to schedule an appointment.