Many men and women who have hypertension (also known as high blood pressure) don’t know it, which is why regular screening is important for managing the condition. Each time you visit one of the Essential Medical Clinic locations in the Westlake, Downtown, and Athens neighborhoods of Los Angeles, California, Sultan Shah, MD, and Pouya Bahrami, DO, test your high blood pressure to keep you safe. Whether you know you have hypertension or suspect you may, the team can treat your condition so you stay healthy for life. Call the helpful staff or use the online booking form to schedule an appointment today.
Also known as high blood pressure, hypertension refers to a state in which your blood exerts higher than normal pressure against your blood vessels as it circulates through your body. If you don’t treat hypertension, the high forces in your vessels can cause dangerous and potentially lethal conditions, such as:
Hypertension has no distinct symptoms, which is why it’s called the “silent killer” and why regular screenings should be part of your self-care plan.
The team of caring medical professionals determines whether your blood pressure is healthy or not by measuring the pressure in your blood vessels when your heart is pumping (systolic pressure) and the pressure when your heart is at rest (diastolic pressure).
When your blood pressure is normal, your systolic rate is below 120 mmHg and your diastolic rate is below 80 mmHg. Abnormal blood pressure is categorized into three stages, and can be affected by a change in either diastolic or systolic pressure:
The team approaches each case of hypertension individually. Depending on what stage of disease you’re in, they may recommend lifestyle changes only, or lifestyle changes with medications that lower your HBP and ease the pressure on your heart. Stage 1 and stage 2 hypertension usually require ongoing medical care so that you stay healthy and safe.
Don’t risk the consequences of untreated high blood pressure. Get a simple blood pressure test at Essential Medical Clinic by calling the friendly team or booking your appointment online.