Hypertension

Hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, can cause significant damage to certain organs without causing symptoms. At Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc. in Palm Desert, California, preventive medicine specialist Asma Kazi, MD, reads your blood pressure at every visit and can treat hypertension when she detects it. Schedule your next appointment over the phone or online at Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc. today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is high blood pressure, which means the force of the blood against the walls of your blood vessels is higher than it should be. That increases the amount of work your heart has to do to pump blood through your veins and arteries and can have a negative impact on your cardiovascular system.

Many people do not realize they have hypertension until they visit the doctor for a blood pressure reading. That is because hypertension is a silent condition, meaning it has no symptoms in the majority of cases. Despite its lack of symptoms, hypertension is not something to ignore because of the potential complications that come with it. 

If you have high blood pressure or are at risk due to your family history or personal medical history, your physician may encourage you to get regular blood pressure readings. 

What are the complications of hypertension?

Hypertension can cause many complications with the cardiovascular system and other organs and systems. If you have hypertension, you’re at an increased risk of experiencing:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Aneurysm
• Heart failure
• Vision loss
• Metabolic syndrome
• Kidney malfunctions
• Memory problems, like dementia

Your provider at Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc., can treat any complications that develop because of hypertension. Early detection and immediate action are essential to avoid complications. 

How is hypertension treated?

Treating hypertension requires individualized care from your primary care provider at Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc.. Even if you have not yet developed high blood pressure, Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc. can help you prevent it by making healthy lifestyle recommendations and encouraging you to keep up with preventive physical exams.

You can manage your hypertension with:

Diet and lifestyle changes

In many cases, dedicated dietary changes and increased exercise, along with smoking cessation and other home care steps, can reduce your blood pressure. 

Medication

Medications can also treat high blood pressure. They work in different ways, with some reducing your heart rate and others decreasing excess fluid in your body. 

If you have hypertension caused by an underlying condition, treating that condition can help lower your blood pressure.

Schedule your appointment by phone or online at Asma M. Kazi, MD Inc. to check for hypertension or assess your risk today.