Can Your Internal Medicine Doctor Provide Primary Care, Too?
Internal medicine covers the basics of adult health and wellness. Do you really need a separate primary care provider? Learn the key differences between internal medicine and primary care.
How High Is Too High for Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure (hypertension) affects almost half of adults in the United States, and while common, it isn’t usually an emergency. Still, being aware of your blood pressure and the risks of having hypertension can motivate you to lower it with safe, healthy lifestyle recommendations.
On the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City, experienced internist and cardiologist Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, measures your blood pressure during every visit. He can help you avoid the dangers of hypertension by treating it as soon as possible.
May is High Blood Pressure Education Month in the US, and here’s a brief guide to help you understand why you should be proactive about hypertension.
Why knowing your blood pressure is important
There’s a reason why health professionals measure your blood pressure every time you visit a medical office. It’s one of your vital signs, which are measurements of key body functions.
You can have high blood pressure without knowing it because hypertension typically doesn’t present any symptoms. This is true even if your blood pressure is dangerously high, though some people might experience headaches or nosebleeds with a spike in blood pressure.
Over time, high blood pressure damages your whole circulatory system, including your heart and blood vessels. If you don’t treat it, hypertension can cause a host of medical complications including heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, kidney problems, and dementia.
Understanding your blood pressure readings
Every time you get a blood pressure reading, you receive two numbers.
The first number, or systolic number, is a measure of the pressure against the walls of your arteries when your heart muscle flexes during a heartbeat.
The second number, or diastolic number, indicates the pressure of your blood against your artery walls between heartbeats when your heart muscle is at rest.
Numbers to know
Published guidelines state that a normal blood pressure is a measurement of less than 120/80. Your blood pressure is considered elevated if it’s up to 129/80.
There are three stages of hypertension:
Stage 1 hypertension: Numbers range from 130-139 systolic over 80-89 diastolic. At this stage, Dr. Graf may advise you to make some healthy lifestyle changes to help lower your blood pressure to a safer range. If you have specific conditions or certain health risks, he might also prescribe blood pressure medication.
Stage 2 hypertension: With a reading of 140 or higher systolic over 90 or higher diastolic, Dr. Graf typically prescribes blood pressure medication and lifestyle changes together.
Hypertensive crisis: This means your blood pressure is dangerously high, with a reading of over 180/120. It is a medical emergency, but you should verify that the measurement is accurate by waiting five minutes and taking your blood pressure again.
Do you have high blood pressure?
High blood pressure can cause several health complications, and you may not be aware that your body is in trouble. It’s smart to stay on top of your numbers and your health.
Dr. Graf can answer your questions about high blood pressure and your broader cardiovascular health. Call his office at 212-410-6001 to request an appointment today.
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