High Blood Pressure Management

Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C.

Sports Medicine & Primary Care Practice located in Lawrenceville, NJ

Nearly 110 million Americans have high blood pressure, yet less than one-quarter of them have it under control. The team at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. in Lawrenceville, New Jersey, uses evidence-based care to help you prevent and manage high blood pressure. It’s easier than you think to stay healthy and reduce your risk for stroke and heart attack, so call the office or click on the online appointment maker today.

267-754-2187

High Blood Pressure Q & A

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure means that your blood pushes against your artery walls too forcefully. Medical professionals use a sphygmomanometer, a device that cuffs around your arm, to measure your blood pressure in two numbers.

The first number, your systolic blood pressure, is the maximum amount of heart exertion during contractions (heartbeats). The second number, your diastolic blood pressure, is the level of pressure inside your arteries when your heart isn’t contracting.

You can have high blood pressure for a long time without experiencing any symptoms. But, it can silently cause severe damage inside your body. Untreated high blood pressure can lead to stroke, heart attack, vision loss, heart failure, kidney failure, and eventually death.

You can manage your blood pressure very effectively with help from the Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. team.

What is a healthy blood pressure reading?

Everyone has unique health needs, so the Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. team can help you set a blood pressure goal appropriate for you.

In general, healthy blood pressure is less than 120/70 mm Hg, which means a systolic blood pressure lower than 120 and a diastolic blood pressure lower than 70.

If your blood pressure is higher than that on at least two separate occasions, your medical provider may diagnose you with high blood pressure. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to get healthy after a high blood pressure diagnosis.

How can I lower my blood pressure?

The first step is making some changes in your diet, activity level, and other areas. This usually means:

Stopping smoking
Losing weight as needed
Establishing an exercise routine
Eating a heart-healthy diet
Reducing sodium consumption
Eliminating or reducing alcohol consumption
Reducing your stress exposure

Your medical providers may have other specific health recommendations as well. Often, significant changes to your habits can reduce your blood pressure without medication. For example, you could lower your blood pressure by 1 mm Hg for every 2.2 pounds you lose.

If your blood pressure isn’t low enough after lifestyle changes, your medical providers at Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. may prescribe medication to help.

Even when taking medication daily, it’s important to continue your healthy habits to have the best chance at good health for a lifetime.

For high blood pressure evaluation, call the Princeton Sports and Family Medicine, P.C. team, or click on the online appointment tool.