What is hypertension?
High blood pressure also known as hypertension, is a disease that affects millions of Americans. In fact, in the United States, 1 in 3 adults have been diagnosed with hypertension! The definition of hypertension is repeated blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or greater. Optimal blood pressure is 115/75 or even slightly lower.
Routine evaluation of one’s blood pressure is crucial because hypertension is often a silent disease, meaning that most people don’t have any obvious symptoms. Elevated blood pressure increases a person’s risk for a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems. To prevent these more advanced disease states, the American Heart Association recommendations that a person’s blood pressure be assessed at each regular healthcare visit or at least every 2 years beginning at the age of 20. If increasing blood pressure is detected early, a person’s risk for complications due to high blood pressure can often be avoided.
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure:
- Headache, confusion, or seizures
- Anxiety
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Vision changes
- Edema or swelling of the face or extremities
- Nosebleeds
What are the risk factos of high blood pressure?
- Family history of hypertension or other cardiovascular diseases
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
- Obesity or being over weight
- Poor diet & nutrient deficiencies
- Elevated cholesterol panel
- Hormone imbalances
- Kidney disease
- Stress
- Diabetes Mellitus or blood sugar dysfunction
- Heavy metal toxicity
What do our treatments look like?
The causes of high blood pressure are as unique as each individual patient. The most common systems involved in the development of hypertension include the cardiovascular and nervous system in addition to the kidneys and adrenal glands. Other common aspects of health often overlooked in the treatment of hypertension include heavy metal toxicity, nutrient deficiencies, and the patient’s lifestyle.
Since there are many causes for elevated blood pressure, Dr. Mercer assesses the patient’s entire health history to determine where to begin treatment. Integrative treatment of hypertension varies greatly depending on the severity and cause of one’s blood pressure. If a person’s blood pressure is significantly elevated, pharmaceutical medication may be recommended to bring down the person’s blood pressure quickly and safely while the diagnostic workup can be completed. A comprehensive evaluation and appropriate laboratory workup is necessary to reveal the cause for one’s hypertension. When the cause is found, true healing can begin using many natural therapies to regain optimal health and often times eliminating the need for prescription blood pressure medications.
Dr. Mercer has tremendous success identifying and treating the underlying cause of hypertension. For assistance with high blood pressure or other aspects of heart health such as high cholesterol, call to schedule an appointment – 541.516.1045.