High blood pressure can develop when a combination of lifestyle habits, health conditions, medications, genetics, and age keeps the force of blood against your artery walls elevated. Because high blood pressure often causes no noticeable symptoms, you may not realize your readings are high until they’re checked during a routine visit.
At Prima Medicine, treatment is available in Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, and Tysons, VA. The practice is led by Dr. Chethana Rao, who is board-certified in internal medicine and has more than two decades of experience, with special interests that include hypertension, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
What Can Raise Your Blood Pressure Over Time?
For many people, there isn’t one single cause of hypertension. Several factors may gradually make high blood pressure more likely, including:
- Eating a diet high in sodium
- Getting too little physical activity
- Being overweight or having obesity
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
- Using tobacco
- Living with ongoing stress or anxiety
- Having a family history of hypertension
- Getting older
Some of these factors can be changed, while others, such as age and family history, can’t. Knowing what’s contributing to your readings will help you and your doctor develop a plan that makes sense for you.
Can Health Conditions Cause High Blood Pressure?
Certain medical conditions can contribute to hypertension or make blood pressure harder to control. Kidney disease is one example because your kidneys play an important role in regulating blood pressure and fluid balance.
Other illnesses linked with elevated blood pressure include diabetes and other metabolic disorders, thyroid disorders, and sleep apnea. When another medical problem is causing or exacerbating your hypertension, managing it becomes an important part of your treatment plan.
Can Medications or Stress Trigger Higher Readings?
Your blood pressure doesn’t stay at exactly the same level throughout the day. Stress and anxiety may trigger a rise, and some medications also contribute to elevated readings, including birth control pills and decongestants.
Never stop a prescribed medication on your own. Instead, tell your doctor what prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you take so they can consider them when reviewing your readings.
Know What’s Behind Your Blood Pressure Numbers
High blood pressure can have several contributing factors, and identifying yours helps guide long-term management. Prima Medicine monitors and treats hypertension while also considering lifestyle habits and related health concerns. To schedule a consultation in Fairfax, South Riding, Merrifield, or Tysons, VA, call 703-870-3750 or book online.
