High Blood Pressure
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Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic
Family Medicine Physicians located in Aurora, CO
High blood pressure is often known as a silent killer of both men and women and it’s possible to have the condition without ever having symptoms. At Himalaya Family Medicine Clinic, experienced family medicine physician, Bipin Kumar, MD, is highly skilled in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure. He also screens for and treats high cholesterol issues. Dr. Kumar customizes treatment plans to prevent long-term health complications and to ensure you enjoy a high quality of life. Schedule a high blood pressure screening today using the convenient online booking feature or by calling the Aurora, Colorado, office.
High Blood Pressure Q & A
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition where your blood pressure levels remain persistently elevated. Your blood pressure is a measurement of how much blood your heart is pumping and the resistance of blood flow in your arteries.
The cause of high blood pressure isn’t well understood, but you may be at a higher risk for developing the condition as you get older or due to factors like:
- Poor diet
- Family history
- Lack of exercise
- Excessive alcohol use
If your blood pressure levels remain high for too long, you can ultimately develop serious health complications, including heart failure, kidney disease, and an increased risk for stroke.
Dr. Kumar also offers in-office screenings for high cholesterol, a condition where a build up of fats obstructs healthy blood flow to and from your heart, increasing the risk for a heart attack and stroke.
How are high blood pressure and high cholesterol diagnosed?
High blood pressure rarely shows symptoms until it’s in the latest stages when damage is already occurring. This is why it’s important to schedule routine health checkups with Dr. Kumar, who will monitor your blood pressure through a painless test with a blood pressure cuff.
High cholesterol also may not show symptoms, and it’s important to have routine blood tests to measure your cholesterol levels, especially if you have a family history of the condition.
Dr. Kumar determines how often you need blood pressure screenings and cholesterol testing based on your personal and family history, your lifestyle, and overall health.
If you’re at increased risk for high blood pressure or high cholesterol, he may suggest screenings more often than once a year.
What treatments are available for high blood pressure and high cholesterol?
Initially, Dr. Kumar may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce your blood pressure naturally and keep cholesterol levels well-controlled. These changes may include:
- Losing weight
- Reducing stress
- Quitting smoking
- Limiting fatty foods
- Reducing salt intake
- Improving eating habits
- Staying physically active
If these changes aren’t enough to keep your blood pressure controlled or reduce high cholesterol levels, Dr. Kumar may prescribe medications.
Dr. Kumar also values the importance of education about controlling blood pressure and cholesterol to prevent long-term health complications.
He can help you make adjustments to your lifestyle, even if you’re blood pressure and cholesterol levels are normal, to reduce your risk factors for developing chronically elevated blood pressure.
Schedule a blood pressure evaluation and cholesterol check to avoid long-term health complications by calling the office or by requesting an appointment online today.
