High blood pressure, or hypertension, is the most common cardiovascular disease, and a major risk factor for kidney disease. The nephrologists at Florida Kidney Physicians specialize in treating hypertension to prevent or slow the progression of kidney damage.
Blood pressure refers to the amount of force with which blood presses against the walls of the arteries as your heart pumps blood through your body. If this pressure or force rises and stays high over time, it can damage the body in many ways. Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. Systolic blood pressure is recorded as the top number and diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number in your results.
Some risk factors include age, race (African Americans have a higher incidence of hypertension than other ethnic groups), family history, and excess body weight.
Diets high in sodium or low in potassium can contribute to hypertension. Infrequent physical activity, tobacco use, and excess alcohol consumption are also risk factors. People with chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are more likely to have high blood pressure.
Danger Zones
Though many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, it can cause very serious health problems if left untreated. Some conditions associated with high blood pressure include:
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Kidney damage and disease
- Eye damage
High blood pressure treatment
If you have risk factors for high blood pressure, it is important to be checked routinely. If you already have high blood pressure, it is important to be seen by an expert.
For an appointment with a board-certified nephrologist contact Florida Kidney Physicians today.
