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Hypertension Specialist

Louisiana Heart and Vascular

Interventional Cardiologists & Internal Medicine located in Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, Franklinton, and Slidell, LA

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as “the silent killer” because you may have it without showing any signs or symptoms. That’s why it’s beneficial to see Farhad Aduli, MD, FACC, at Louisiana Heart and Vascular on a regular basis. As an expert in a range of acute and chronic illnesses, he emphasizes preventive care to help patients avoid, manage, or even reverse several common chronic health conditions. Call the office in Covington, Louisiana, or request an appointment online.

Hypertension Q & A

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a serious but common condition caused when your blood flow exerts more force than is healthy on the walls of your blood vessels. Over time, this force causes friction that damages fragile blood vessels and vital organs.

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, you’re not alone. Nearly 90 million Americans have high blood pressure. You can continue to enjoy an active, healthy life by managing your condition with proper diet, regular exercise, and sometimes, prescription medication.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

You can have hypertension and show no symptoms at all — even when your blood pressure is dangerously high. That’s why hypertension is often known as “the silent killer.” 

However, there are a few symptoms that signal the condition, such as headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

The good news is, hypertension is easily diagnosed. Dr. Aduli measures your blood pressure with an inflatable cuff placed around your arm called a sphygmomanometer.

The cuff works by briefly compressing your brachial artery, which temporarily stops the blood flow. Then, Dr. Aduli listens to your blood pressure with a stethoscope or an electronic monitor as the air slowly leaves the cuff.

Your blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. The top number is systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure of your blood pushing against your artery walls during heartbeats. The bottom number is the pressure of your blood when your heart is resting between beats.

Normal blood pressure is under 120/80 mm Hg. Over time, if your blood pressure is regularly recorded above those numbers, you may be diagnosed with hypertension.

How is hypertension treated?

Making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle can help you manage hypertension and avoid serious illnesses. Simple steps you can take include:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Managing stress
  • Avoiding too much salt
  • Getting regular physical activity
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet
  • Limiting your number of alcoholic beverages
  • Shedding extra pounds and maintaining a healthy weight

Along with making lifestyle changes, prescription medications can improve your quality of life and lower your chances of hypertension-related conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and congestive heart failure. When you meet with Dr. Aduli, he can determine whether medications will enhance your wellness.

If you’re worried about hypertension, call Louisiana Heart and Vascular or schedule a consultation online today.

We see patients from the following surrounding cities: Covington, Mandeville, and Slidell, LA. Call us to book your appointment today.