Dr. James E. Race M.D. specializes in internal medicine, a discipline that makes him one of the best choices for Dallas, Texas residents worried about diagnoses and treatment of hypertension.
Hypertension is the medical term for high blood pressure. This is a common condition related to an increase of the force as blood hits the walls of the arteries. When the pressure rises, it may eventually cause damage and lead to chronic heart problems. It is often called the silent killer because patients have it without knowing. There are few symptoms associated with this condition.
It’s not clear why many adults develop primary hypertension as they get older, but are specific risk factors including:
The treatment plan varies based on a number of factors. If the patient is obese, the plan would include weight management and exercise, for example. If there is an underlying illness causing hypertension, the doctor will treat that illness as well as the high blood pressure.
Often, drug therapy is part of the overall treatment, especially for primary hypertension. Therapeutic options include:
The exact care plan may include one or more of these drugs along with a sensible, low-salt diet and an exercise plan.