I've Been Diagnosed With High Blood Pressure: Now What?

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you’re not alone. Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

When left untreated, high blood pressure can increase the risk of serious and potentially fatal health problems like heart attack and stroke. The good news is that high blood pressure can be managed and controlled through factors, like diet, lifestyle modifications, and medication. 

Dr. Harmanpreet Buttar and our team at Vital Clinic and Spa, located in Cypress, Texas, offer a range of primary care and wellness solutions to help you get and keep your health on track.

What to do if you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure

High blood pressure is common, but it’s not inevitable, and it doesn’t have to be a long-term health challenge. Understanding the causes and risk factors for high blood pressure is a good place to start. 

As with many health issues, factors like your age, lifestyle, health profile, and family history and genetics can play a role in your risk factor for hypertension and heart disease.

Some of the most common causes and risk factors that can contribute to high blood pressure include:

• Poor diet (high sodium and low potassium)
• Smoking
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Weight challenges
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history
• Stress
• Age (risk increases as you get older)
• Health challenges like diabetes, kidney disease, or sleep apnea
• Pregnancy
• Race (Black Americans have higher rates of high blood pressure than other races)

If you have any concerns or questions about your risk factors for high blood pressure or other health issues, contact us to schedule an appointment. If you’re over age 40 or have elevated risk factors for high blood pressure, have your blood pressure checked at least once a year to ensure you’re within a healthy range. 

Physical exams are also recommended every 2-3 years for healthy adults in their 20s and 30s, but you may need one more or less frequently depending on your age and health.

What you can do about high blood pressure

Depending on your situation, simple lifestyle modifications and adjustments are often enough to manage high blood pressure. Some common recommendations after a high blood pressure diagnosis include:

• Modify your diet to lower your sodium intake
• Start exercising
• Quit smoking
• Get enough sleep
• Pay attention to co-existing health issues like diabetes
• Get your stress levels under control
• Continue to monitor your blood pressure

Medication may also help. It’s always best to consult with our team before making changes to your diet, starting a new fitness routine, or trying to quit smoking. We offer weight loss and a medical gym program to help you meet and maintain your health and weight loss goals safely and sustainably. 

For more information about high blood pressure prevention, treatment, and how to enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle, contact Vital Spa and Clinic today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Buttar and our team at our office in Cypress, Texas.