Hypertension
Blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood pushing against the blood vessel walls. Untreated elevated blood pressure increases the risk for stroke, heart attack, and kidney disease.

Defining stages of hypertension:
Stage 1: greater than 130-80
Stage 2: greater than 140/90

When to screen for elevated blood pressure?
Your clinician will take your blood pressure at every visit. Two or more elevated readings are suspicious for a diagnosis of Essential Hypertension. It is helpful to take your blood pressure at home to get an idea of your average readings.

How to treat high blood pressure?

• Lifestyle: Sticking to foods that are low in salt and fat, regular aerobic exercise, limit alcohol consumption, tobacco cessation and stress management.
• Pharmacological treatment: If blood pressure remains high after the above lifestyle measures are taken, your provider may recommend starting a blood pressure pill. You and your provider can decide on a regimen that works best for you in the context of your other medical conditions and health goals.