Hypertension Management Specialist in Carrboro, NC

While the exact causes of high blood pressure are unknown, several factors may contribute to its development. They include: 

• A high sodium intake
• A poor-quality diet
• Aging
• Being overweight or obese
• Genetics/family history 
• Having adrenal and thyroid disorders
• Having chronic kidney disease
• Having sleep apnea
• High alcohol consumption 
• Little-to-no physical activity
• Smoking and/or chewing tobacco products 
• Stress

When the underlying cause of your hypertension can’t be found, which makes up a large percentage of cases, it’s referred to as “essential hypertension”.  

When you have hypertension, you may not even realize it. Many people with high blood pressure don’t start having symptoms until their readings start to spike exponentially. These symptoms can include:

• Blood in the urine
• Blood spots in eyes
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing
• Facial flushing 
• Facial flushing
• Fatigue 
• Headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Nosebleeds
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble sleeping
• Vision problems

Regular wellness checks with your primary physician will help you to keep tabs on your blood pressure. Getting your blood pressure clinically checked is how many patients find out that they have hypertension, and it often represents the first step toward diagnosis and treatment. 

While hypertension may be the result of genetics, a medical condition, or certain medication, there are lifestyle choices that you can make to help reduce your chances of developing the condition. This includes: 

• Eating a healthy diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. 
• Reducing and monitoring the amount of salt in your diet. 
• Exercising regularly for at least 2.5 hours a week. 
• Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you’re overweight or obese. 
• Limiting your alcohol intake. 
• Not smoking or chewing tobacco products. 
• Managing stress levels through exercise, meditation, mindfulness, therapy, and participating in activities you enjoy. 

If you already have hypertension, it’s important to book regular appointments with your primary care physician and to follow the treatment plan they have prescribed. In addition to lifestyle changes, you may also need to take medication to manage your blood pressure and to ensure it doesn’t get worse.  

Hypertension affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and from all walks of life. The following factors put you at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure: 

• Age. Those who are age 50+ have a greater likelihood of developing hypertension. 
• Race. High blood pressure is more prevalent in African American people and tends to affect them at a younger age than Caucasians. 
• Genetics. You’re more likely to develop hypertension if you have a parent or sibling with the condition. 
• Being overweight or obese. 
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle. 
• Smoking or chewing tobacco.  
• Having a diet high in salt. 
• Having low potassium levels. 
• Drinking too much alcohol. 
• Having high levels of stress. 
• Certain chronic conditions. 
• Taking certain medications. 
• Being pregnant. 

Regular wellness checks with your doctor are pivotal when it comes to making sure that your blood pressure is being managed appropriately. 

If you suspect that you may have hypertension, or have been recently diagnosed, contact our experienced medical team at Carrboro Family Medicine Center. We provide the highest level and quality of care so that you can safeguard and improve your health moving into the future. To consult our professionals, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients in Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, and surrounding areas.