According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, around one in three adults or 75 million people in the U.S suffer from hypertension. High blood pressure is a common but severe ailment where the blood exerts excessive pressure on the arterial walls as it flows through them.
This pressure can cause chronic health problems if it isn’t addressed quickly. Dr. Dipti Shah of Radar Medical believes that a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes is necessary to manage hypertension. As the best internal medicine center in Las Vegas, we provide comprehensive treatment and can help you get back on the right track with your health.
Causes of Hypertension
The causes of blood pressure are divided into two broad categories- essential high blood pressure and secondary high blood pressure. The former develops on its own and isn’t a result of some other disease. Secondary high blood pressure is a symptom of some other health concern. The most common causes of hypertension that fall under both of these categories are:
- Age – Blood vessels become less flexible as people age, which can lead to high blood pressure in many cases.
- Family History and Ethnicity – People with a family history of hypertension are at a higher risk of developing this problem. People of certain ethnicities (like African-Americans) are more likely to develop high blood pressure.
- Weight – Excess weight and obesity increase the risk of hypertension significantly, especially if the patient has a poor diet.
- Sedentary Lifestyle – Lack of activity and exercise can increase the risk of hypertension as well.
- Poor Diet – If you have a high-fat diet or have high cholesterol, you’re more likely to develop high blood pressure. Plant-based fats derived from sources like nuts, avocados, omega oils, olive oils, etc., are good for you. However, saturated and trans fats can cause health problems.
- Smoking and Alcohol Consumption – Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is often the cause of high blood pressure. Smoking shrinks the blood vessels and increases blood pressure. It also decreases the amount of oxygen that reaches the heart, and the heart has to pump harder to compensate.
Factors like mental stress, pregnancy, and diabetes can also cause hypertension. It is a good idea to check your blood pressure regularly and seek assistance from the Las Vegas Internal Medicine Center for treatment and support.
How an Experienced Las Vegas Internist Can Help
Dr. Dipti Shah is a renowned internist in Las Vegas. She provides excellent primary care to adult patients of all ages and can help manage lifestyle diseases like hypertension. The doctor will take your blood pressure reading at every visit and will complete other standard medical checks as well. These regular medical exams help identify potential problems before they get out of hand.
Treatment for Hypertension
Doctors recommend a combination of lifestyle changes and medication to treat hypertension. Here’s a look at what the treatment includes:
- Medicine – The doctor will prescribe medications based on the patient’s underlying health condition. These medicines can consist of diuretics, beta-blockers, and alpha-blockers, peripheral adrenergic inhibitor, calcium-channel blockers, etc.
- Diet – Patients with hypertension need to monitor their diet carefully. They need to moderate salt intake and alcohol consumption, eat more fruits, veggies, and lean meats, and manage their weight.
- Exercise – Exercise keeps you active, relieves stress, and helps you maintain healthy body weight. Internists in Las Vegas, NV believe that stress is a significant cause of hypertension and should be managed as much as possible.
People struggling with hypertension can come to us at Radar Medical for the best diagnosis, advice, and treatment. Dr. Dipti Shah is considered the best internist in Las Vegas and will offer expert advice and expert treatment.