Howell Family Care, PLLC
Family Medicine Physicians & Aesthetic Specialists located in Howell, MI
Almost half of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, but many don’t even know it.
Sheryl Simpson, DO, and the team at Howell Family Care, PLLC offer preventive screenings and management for high blood pressure at their location in Howell, Michigan. Don’t wait until you begin to experience potentially dangerous complications of high blood pressure. Call or book an appointment online today.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries is too high. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications, such as heart failure and stroke.
Most people with high blood pressure don’t experience signs or symptoms. This means you can have high blood pressure for many years before even realizing you have it.
High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer because it continues to damage your blood vessels and heart without causing noticeable signs or symptoms.
What are complications of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure causes damage to your blood vessels and other organs in your body. Over time, this condition can lead to serious complications, such as:
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Aneurysms
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
Dr. Simpson and the team at Howell Family Care, PLLC measure your blood pressure during routine physical exams and any time you come in for an appointment. Since high blood pressure often causes no symptoms, regular preventive screenings at Howell Family Care, PLLC is your best defense against these severe complications.
Who is at risk of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is very common and can happen to anyone. However, certain risk factors may make you more prone to this condition, such as:
- Smoking or chewing tobacco
- Family history of high blood pressure
- A diet with too much sodium
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Being overweight or obese
- A sedentary lifestyle
Although adolescents and young adults can develop high blood pressure, it’s much more common in older adults.
How do you diagnose and treat high blood pressure?
First, Dr. Simpson performs a physical exam, which includes a blood pressure measurement. If your blood pressure is too high, she may take additional tests, such as:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Cholesterol test
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
Then, she recommends the best treatment plan based on your particular condition. Treatment to manage high blood pressure may include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Limiting alcohol
- Losing weight
- Quitting smoking
If your high blood pressure is severe or doesn’t improve with lifestyle changes, Dr. Simpson may prescribe medications to control your blood pressure.
To prevent serious complications of high blood pressure, call Howell Family Care, PLLC or book an appointment online today.