High blood pressure can increase your risk of developing a heart attack, heart failure, stroke, high blood pressure, and other serious health conditions. Fortunately, your primary care physicians in Brandon, FL, Dr. Elizabeth Biggers and Dr. Joel Biggers of Biggers Family Medicine, can help you keep your blood pressure under control.
Symptoms of high blood pressure
High blood pressure symptoms can include:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Nosebleeds
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Chest pain
These symptoms are serious warning signs. If you have any of them, seek immediate medical care.
Usually, symptoms don't occur unless your blood pressure is dangerously high. In fact, most people who have high blood pressure don't feel any different. Although you might not notice any symptoms, high blood pressure could still be damaging your health. Blood pressure is the measurement of the force of your blood against blood vessel walls. When the pressure is too high, your heart must work much harder. If you don't lower your blood pressure, the vessels will eventually stiffen and narrow and are more likely to rupture or leak.
Fortunately, blood pressure screenings offer a simple way to determine if your blood pressure is too high. During every visit to the Brandon, FL, primary care office, your primary care physician will measure your blood pressure. If it's too high, medication or lifestyle changes can keep your pressure under control.
Do you need to be concerned about high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is particularly common in the U.S., affecting 116 million Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although anyone can develop high blood pressure at any time, these factors may increase your risk:
- Family history of high blood pressure
- Being overweight or obese
- Smoking
- High-stress level
- Diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Sleep apnea
- Unhealthy diet
- Aging
- Not getting enough exercise
Keeping your blood pressure under control helps you protect your health. If you're concerned about your blood pressure or due for your annual physical, call your Brandon, FL, primary care physicians, Dr. Elizabeth Biggers and Dr. Joel Biggers of Biggers Family Medicine, at (813) 655-4646 to schedule your appointment.