Hypertension

According to the American Heart Association, 80 million U.S. adults have been diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition in which the long-term force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it could cause health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. 

Controlling your blood pressure is one of the most important factors in improving your cardiovascular health. No matter your age, you will benefit from understanding the risk factors, developing a plan for better health, and creating habits that can last a lifetime. Don’t become a statistic. Schedule your physical exam with your Spectrum Health primary care physician and know your numbers. Learning how to get heart healthy, and stay heart healthy, can go a long way in reducing your future risk.

What if you want to avoid the prospect of open heart surgery, cardiac procedures, illness, pain, or disability? You have a choice. If you have been previously diagnosed with high blood pressure or even if you have had a previous cardiovascular event, the comprehensive services at Spectrum Health’s Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation programs may be right for you.

Along with very important lifestyle changes, there are a variety of medicines used to help treat heart conditions. Medicines for heart disease are used to ease discomfort or lessen symptoms, but some can also be essential in preventing life-threatening episodes. It is important to take your medicines exactly as prescribed, and work with your doctor on both lifestyle and medicine changes.