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Hypertension services offered in Charleston, SC
Did you know that a shocking 75 million Americans have hypertension? At her Palmetto Health, in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Lominchar and the highly-skilled medical team have plenty of solutions and treatment methods to help you manage and regulate your blood pressure and take care of your circulatory system. Hypertension can lead to several complications that can truly devastate your health. Protect your blood vessels and your heart. Call the office to book an appointment or schedule through the convenient online system.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension refers to chronic high blood pressure — when the force and pressure of your blood are consistently too high against your artery walls.
Hypertension is usually a sign of narrowed arteries and excess blood pumping from your heart. If hypertension isn’t treated and managed correctly, it can lead to certain complications over time, such as heart disease.
Dr. Lominchar evaluates your blood pressure using a special machine that accurately measures how much blood your heart pumps and how resistant your arteries are to the blood flow.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension often doesn’t present symptoms, so it’s referred to as the silent killer. Symptoms of hypertension can include:
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleeds
- Lightheadedness
Dr. Lominchar should regularly evaluate your health if you have hypertension to monitor your heart and circulatory system. You might have hypertension and not even know it.
What causes hypertension?
Several factors can cause hypertension. For instance:
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension doesn’t usually have a clear cause and happens gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension can occur suddenly, typically due to an underlying medical condition.
Certain factors heighten your risk of developing hypertension, such as:
- Kidney complications
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid disorder
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Use of certain illegal drugs, such as amphetamines
Medications such as prescription drugs, cold remedies, and birth control pills can also increase your risk of developing hypertension.
Some hypertension complications include heart failure, memory loss, and metabolic syndrome.
How is hypertension treated?
Dr. Lominchar starts by assessing your medical history, checking your blood pressure, and performing a physical exam. They might suggest additional testing when necessary, such as a convenient in-office electrocardiogram.
Dr. Lominchar also discusses healthy lifestyle changes that can improve your general health, such as regular appropriate exercise and fitness, stress management, and optimal nutrition.
Many effective methods can help lower your blood pressure, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Certain medications are also available to help you regulate your blood pressure. Dr. Lominchar can provide you with lots of information, so you can collectively make the best decisions about how to treat your hypertension.
The proper care and medical support now can prevent complications from happening in the future. If you have hypertension, questions, or concerns, call Palmetto Health or click to book online today.