High Blood Pressure Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it puts you at risk of chronic health conditions, such as heart disease. Your blood pressure measurement is made up of two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: the first number that measures pressure during the heartbeat
• Diastolic pressure: the second number that measures pressure in between beats

High blood pressure is a common health condition that usually develops over several years and affects almost everyone at some point in their life. The increase in the force of the blood against your artery walls weakens the vessel and increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

How do I know if my blood pressure is high?

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because it develops without causing any symptoms. You can have high blood pressure for years and not know it.

The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is by having your numbers checked routinely. The health care team at Nu Wave Medical Center checks your blood pressure at every visit.

• Normal blood pressure: 120 mm Hg/80 mm Hg or less
• Elevated blood pressure: 120 to 129 mm Hg/ 80 mm Hg
• High blood pressure: 130 mm Hg or greater/80 mm Hg or greater

If your blood pressure is high, Dr. Sekhon may suggest you monitor at home with a home blood pressure machine to get an idea of what’s happening with your blood pressure under normal conditions.

How can I lower my blood pressure?

The medical team at Nu Wave Medical Center recommends lifestyle changes first to help improve your blood pressure. If you’re overweight, one of the best ways to improve high blood pressure is weight loss. Dr. Sekhon offers a medical weight loss program to help you lose weight and keep it off.

Making changes to your diet may also help, such as decreasing your intake of fast food and foods high in salt, and instead eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy sources of protein such as fish, poultry, and beans. Regular exercise also lowers your blood pressure.

If lifestyle changes fail to improve your high blood pressure, Dr. Sekhon may recommend prescription blood pressure medication.

For medical management of your high blood pressure from medical experts, call Nu Wave Medical Center, or use the online booking button to schedule an appointment.