If you have high blood pressure, it means the force of blood pumping against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. Without intervention and treatment, that pressure increases the risk of potentially serious health problems, including a heart attack or a stroke.

High blood pressure doesn’t present obvious symptoms, so most people don’t know they’re at risk. As a result, it’s important to participate in routine screenings, especially if you're 30 or older.

At JAM Wellness Clinics, the team treats both types of high blood pressure:

Primary high blood pressure

Primary high blood pressure develops slowly over an extended period. Researchers don’t know what causes this type of high blood pressure, but it’s thought the natural aging process, environmental factors, and genetics play a role.

Secondary high blood pressure

Secondary high blood pressure occurs suddenly, usually due to an underlying medical condition. This type of high blood pressure is considered more dangerous because it’s harder to treat. Causes of secondary blood pressure include heart disease, kidney disease, and liver disease.

High blood pressure affects people of all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged or older
• Being overweight
• Using tobacco
• Drinking too much alcohol
• A diet low in potassium
• A diet high in salt

You’re also more likely to experience high blood pressure if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes or sleep apnea.

High blood pressure affects people of all backgrounds, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Being middle-aged or older
• Being overweight
• Using tobacco
• Drinking too much alcohol
• A diet low in potassium
• A diet high in salt

You’re also more likely to experience high blood pressure if you have a chronic medical condition like diabetes or sleep apnea.

Treatment of high blood pressure depends on the type you have and the severity of your readings. If you have mild or moderate hypertension, your provider might recommend losing weight, cutting back on salt, and getting more exercise.

If healthy lifestyle changes aren’t enough to keep your blood pressure in check, or you have an underlying medical condition that keeps your blood pressure high, the team at JAM Wellness Clinics might recommend medication.

There are several types of drugs designed to treat high blood pressure, including:

• Diuretics
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha-blockers
• Alpha-beta blockers
• Beta-blockers

Your provider can make recommendations that align with your health history and needs.

To explore the treatment options for high blood pressure, make an appointment at JAM Wellness Clinics by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking feature today.