When you take a visit to your physician, they will generally take a reading of your blood pressure. This measurement shows how hard your 
arteries are working to pump blood through your body. Paying close attention to these results is important, for high readings are classic warning signs of lead to heart disease and other serious conditions. Here at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics & Medical Specialists in St. Thomas and St. Croix, your cardiologist, Dr. Ahmet Sayan, watches this vital sign to keep you in optimal health. Read on to learn more!
The best blood pressure
Ideally, your blood pressure should be 120/80. While occasional variations are OK, consistently higher readings warrant monitoring at home and with your physician in his St Thomas or St. Croix office. Unfortunately, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that 75 million American adults have hypertension, a condition that has devastating effects on your cardiovascular health.
Common problems stemming from high blood pressure are:
- Heart attack
- Congestive heart failure
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Dementia
- Blood clots
- Peripheral artery disease
As such, hypertension cannot be ignored. Fortunately, Dr. Sayan can help you to successfully manage your heart health for years and years to come.
Symptoms of hypertension
Also called "the silent killer," hypertension may have no symptoms at all. Although some people may experience headaches or GI problems (e.g. vomiting) according to the CDC, these signs are generally the exception rather than the rule.
Managing your blood pressure
Some cases of hypertension are related to inactivity, weight problems, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Others result from block arteries, heart damage, and heredity. While you cannot do anything about genetic factors, you can modify lifestyle issues and treat other underlying diseases.
If you have high blood pressure, Dr. Sayan may recommend some of the following treatments based on your unique case:
- Medications such as diuretics or beta-blockers (always take as directed)
- A low salt diet
- Routine exercise (just a brisk 30 minute walk several times a week works wonders)
- Smoking cessation
Additionally, stress plays a significant role in cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. The American Heart Association recommends learning relaxation techniques to control stress and lower your blood pressure.
Do you have high blood pressure?
Find out with a routine check-up at Virgin Islands Orthopaedics & Medical Specialists. Call either location today to set up an appointment—for St. Croix, phone (340) 692-5000, and for St. Thomas, call (340) 714-2845.