High Blood Pressure Specialist
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Central Clinic
Family Medicine Practice located in Spring Hill, FL
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it causes no symptoms and can increase your risk of heart attack or stroke. At Central Clinic, Poonam Malhotra, MD, can help you monitor and lower your blood pressure with compassionate care. Call the office in Spring Hill, Florida, or book an appointment online today to begin improving your health.
High Blood Pressure Q&A
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the force of your blood on the walls of your blood vessels is too high. Over time, this force can damage blood vessels and increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and many other health conditions.
High blood pressure often causes no symptoms. You may have the condition for years without knowing it. That’s why Dr. Malhotra takes your blood pressure each time you visit Central Clinic.
Your blood pressure measurement includes two numbers. The top number, your systolic pressure, is the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The bottom number, your diastolic pressure, is the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats.
A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg or below. A blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg is considered high blood pressure or hypertension.
What are the risks of high blood pressure?
Certain factors about your health or lifestyle can raise your risk for high blood pressure. Risk factors include:
- Being over age 65
- A family history of high blood pressure
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
- Tobacco use
- Excessive drinking
- High sodium diet
- Stress
If you have any of these risks, be sure to get your blood pressure checked at Central Clinic at least once a year.
How is high blood pressure treated?
The first step toward managing high blood pressure is ensuring you live a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Malhotra may advise you to:
- Get 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week
- Eat a diet low in sodium and saturated fat
- Quit using tobacco
- Limit alcohol use
- Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, you may need to take blood pressure medication. Blood pressure medication may help relax your blood vessels, which reduces the pressure, or reduce how much fluid is in your body.
At Central Clinic, Dr. Malhotra is dedicated to helping you improve your health and lower your blood pressure. Get the support you need for a healthier life by calling the office or booking an appointment online.
