Could you have High Blood Pressure?

Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure and many don’t even know it, according to the American Heart Association. It seems harmless, especially if you don’t have any symptoms. But uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to more serious health problems, like heart attack or stroke.

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels is consistently too high. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. As explained by the Mayo Clinic, the more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure.

Most people don’t have symptoms and are unaware they may have hypertension. However it’s easy to diagnose and there are several ways to control the condition to keep it from becoming more serious.

The most important step is knowing your numbers. Our team at Plymouth Primary Care Rural Health Clinic is here to take care of you. Schedule an appointment to get your blood pressure checked. If you do have high blood pressure, we’ll help you make a plan to better manage it.  Schedule an appointment by calling 252-793-4500 or requesting an appointment online.

As we recognize American Hearth Month this February, take some time to focus on your heart health. You can learn more at heart.org.