Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Thursday, May 18, 2017
To spread awareness of a medical condition that affects 1 in 3 American adults, SouthCoast Health Cardiologist Dr. Roy Flood explains high blood pressure and gives guidelines to reduce the effects of this disease.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the force of blood flowing through the blood vessel becomes too high. When left untreated, it overworks the circulatory system which can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, vision loss, kidney disease and failure, and sexual dysfunction. There are often no warning signs of this condition developing, so prevention is key.
What causes high blood pressure?
Certain physical traits and lifestyle choices increase the chances of high blood pressure.
For example, African-Americans, men, individuals over the age of 45, and those with a family history of high blood pressure are at an elevated risk of developing this condition.
As mentioned, lifestyle choices increase your risk as well. Risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle, an unhealthy diet saturated with sodium, being overweight, drinking a large amount of alcohol, and smoking. Similarly, high levels of stress can contribute to rising blood pressure and other medical conditions, such as sleep apnea or kidney disorders, affect the speed at which the blood flows.
How can you prevent high blood pressure?
Currently, no cure exists for high blood pressure. However, some steps can be taken to avoid the condition from developing and minimize its symptoms for those who have already developed it.
If you believe you have high blood pressure or are struggling to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level, request an appointment with SouthCoast Health today.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. Founded in 1996, SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 17 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
