Hypertension

Symptoms of Severe Hypertension

• Severe headache or vision problems
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, pounding in the ears
• Blood in the urine

Who is at risk?

Those at greatest risk of hypertension likely smoke, carry excessive weight, exercise very little, drink alcohol and carry a great deal of stress. A family history will contribute to vulnerability as well.

Treatment

The number one long term treatment for hypertension is a healthy lifestyle change: eating a balanced diet, kicking the smoking habit, managing your stress and exercising regularly. Medications to treat hypertension include ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers. Diagnosis definitely requires an experienced medical professional. Treatment requires continuity of care and close monitoring of your progress.

Emergency Warning Signs: When should I see a doctor?

Signs of hypertension are sneaky and hard to detect without medical diagnostics, but you should always seek emergency medical care if you have any of the severe symptoms listed above that do not abate in the course of a few minutes. Out of control hypertension may in some cases, be life threatening. Do not hesitate to call 911 to assist you.

Evaluation and treatment for Hypertension is available now at South Atlanta Urgent Care Clinic in Atlanta.

For more information on Hypertension, see the following websites:

WebMD Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Health Center

American Heart Association on High Blood Pressure

Recent Hypertension Research from AHA Journal