High Blood Pressure Treatment in Illinois

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a widespread and severe health condition that we diagnose and manage for our patients. This serious condition occurs when the force of the blood against artery walls is consistently too high and can be caused by several things, including a poor diet, obesity, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, genetics, or even a combination of these.

We understand the importance of educating our patients about the dangers of hypertension. While the heart contracts and pushes blood into the arteries, the pressure should decrease as the blood flows through the arteries and into smaller vessels called arterioles and capillaries. However, in the case of hypertension, the pressure remains abnormally high, putting excessive strain on the blood vessel walls. This sustained pressure can lead to various health issues, including atherosclerosis, a condition that hardens and thickens the arteries.

Why High Blood Pressure is Dangerous: Uncontrolled high blood pressure can have severe and often devastating consequences, which is why our medical team is committed to early detection and management of this condition. Complications that may arise from uncontrolled hypertension include heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, cognitive decline, and arterial aneurysms.

Our team at Cermak and NewMed Immediate Care is committed to offering comprehensive care and support for those dealing with high blood pressure, offering a range of treatment options including lifestyle changes and medication. In conclusion, high blood pressure is a serious but manageable condition, and with the right medical attention from our team of professionals, you can preserve your overall health and well-being.

Hypertension occurs when the force against your artery walls is consistently high, which can lead to severe health issues such as heart disease. Understanding the underlying causes of hypertension is vital for effective management, and our team is dedicated to helping you navigate this journey.

● Primary Hypertension: Approximately 90% of hypertension cases are primary or essential, which means there is no identifiable underlying medical condition. We can provide expert advice and treatment pathways to better manage your blood pressure levels, even if the cause is unclear.

● Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension, characterized by elevated blood pressure resulting from an underlying medical condition, is another condition our team frequently manages. These conditions can range from kidney disease, endocrine disorders, pregnancy, certain medications, sleep apnea, and other underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

● Lifestyle Factors: We believe in a holistic approach to health care. This includes addressing lifestyle factors that significantly contribute to the development of hypertension, such as excessive salt intake, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.

● Genetic Factors: While age, genetics, and ethnicity can considerably influence the risk of developing high blood pressure, hypertension is not solely caused by genetics. Even if you have a family history of the disease, lifestyle modifications can play a significant role in managing your blood pressure.

We are dedicated to providing exceptional healthcare that promotes overall wellness and longevity.

● Headaches: Hypertension can cause severe, throbbing headaches, particularly in the morning, which may persist over an extended period.

● Nosebleeds: Unusually frequent nosebleeds can be a sign of increased blood pressure, as they can cause the fragile blood vessels in the nose to rupture.

● Fatigue and Confusion: High blood pressure can impact cognitive functions, leading to fatigue, confusion, and even memory problems.

● Vision Problems: If hypertension has damaged the blood vessels in your eyes, you might experience blurred or double vision.

● Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath: High blood pressure puts strain on the heart, leading to chest pain or discomfort. It can also strain the heart and lungs, causing shortness of breath.

● Irregular Heartbeat: Hypertension can affect your heart rate, potentially causing an irregular or rapid heartbeat.

These symptoms usually occur when high blood pressure reaches a life-threatening stage and may also be associated with other underlying conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s essential to contact us immediately. We provide regular check-ups and blood pressure monitoring for early detection and timely intervention. Our team can help manage your hypertension through lifestyle modifications or medications, to effectively prevent potential complications.

● Cardiovascular Complications: As a part of our cardiovascular care, we strive to prevent and manage the impact of hypertension on your heart. Untreated hypertension can lead to heart disease, heart attacks, stroke, heart failure, and aortic dissection. Regular check-ups can ensure early detection and proactive management of these risks.

● Renal Complications: The health of your kidneys is another concern when dealing with hypertension. Hypertension can damage the blood vessels and lead to your kidneys, resulting in chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.

● Cerebrovascular Complications: The link between hypertension and cognitive decline, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, is well-established.

● Other Complications: Hypertension can also affect your eyes, leading to conditions such as hypertensive retinopathy. It can cause aneurysms and sexual dysfunction. Regular screenings and comprehensive care can help manage these risks and maintain your overall health.

The answer is yes. Your genetic makeup can significantly influence the risk of developing high blood pressure. If you have family members, particularly parents or close blood relatives with high blood pressure, your risk of developing it can increase. This likelihood even increases further if you have multiple family members with hypertension.

The exact genetic mechanisms that contribute to high blood pressure remain elusive to researchers. However, they believe that certain genes crucial in regulating blood pressure may play a role. These genes may affect the heart, kidneys, and blood vessels’ functions, which are all essential in regulating blood pressure.

Regular check-ups at Cermak or NewMed Immediate Care can enable early detection and management of high blood pressure, underscoring the importance of staying proactive about your health. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Cicero IL, Chicago IL, Hoffman Estates IL, and Rolling Meadows IL. We serve patients from Cicero IL, Austin, Berwyn Chicago IL, Chicago IL, River North Chicago IL, Englewood Chicago IL, Hoffman Estates IL, Bloomingdale IL, Hanover Park IL, Rolling Meadows IL, Williamsburg Rolling Meadows IL, Mt Prospect IL, and surrounding areas.