At our family clinic we focus on excellence, integrity, and quality health care!
Don’t become a victim.
High blood pressure is known as the silent killer, since many people suffering from it don’t see or feel any symptoms. The top-rated doctors at First Physicians in Odessa, Texas, can help you keep chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, under control.
If you’ve had a high blood pressure reading, call First Physicians for an appointment. With 5 locations to serve you (Wendover Family Medicine, Westview Medical Clinic, East University Family Medicine, Women’s Health, and Occupational Medical Testing), expert care is nearby for all your medical needs.
High Blood Pressure Q&A
Q: What is high blood pressure?
A: The force at which the blood hits the walls of the blood vessels (arteries) is known as your blood pressure. Hypertension is the term used when it’s too high. High blood pressure can have many causes, including genetics, diet, stress level, anxiety, sleep deprivation, other medications, and lifestyle choices. When your blood pressure is high, your heart must work harder to move blood throughout your body. This extra work places a strain on the circulatory system that can damage blood vessels, increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack, and cause kidney damage. It has also been linked to brain diseases like dementia.
Q: How is blood pressure measured?
A: While blood pressure is measured at your doctor’s office by a sphygmomanometer, modern electronic blood pressure monitors give accurate readings. Your blood pressure shows a range between your systolic, or peak pressure, and the diastolic, or minimum pressure, in the heart’s cycle. The American Heart Association recognizes the normal range for systolic pressure to be between 90-120 and the optimal range for diastolic pressure to be between 60-80. Here are the stages of hypertension:
- Normal blood pressure is 120/80 or less
- Prehypertension: a systolic number of 121-139, or a diastolic number of 80 – 89
- Hypertension stage 1: a systolic number of 140–159, or a diastolic number of 90-99
- Hypertension stage 2: a systolic number of 160 or more, or a diastolic number of 100 or more
- Hypertensive crisis: a systolic number higher than 180, or a diastolic number higher than 110
Q: What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
A: Hypertension is called the “silent killer” because it has very few symptoms a person can feel. That’s why it’s so important to have a health care provider like First Physicians monitor your blood pressure on a routine basis and check for any abnormalities.
Q: How will the doctors at First Physicians treat my high blood pressure?
A: The doctors at First Physicians will discuss any lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your high blood pressure with you. They may also prescribe medications to help control your blood pressure. Finding the perfect blood pressure medication and the right dosage to control your pressure can involve making changes to see which medications work best for you.