Pulmonary Hypertension

One in two adults in the United States has pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure), but many don’t even know it. At StatCare, the experienced physicians customize a care plan to help you manage your blood pressure in the long term to lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other complications. Whether you need blood pressure medications or treatment for sleep apnea, you can find comprehensive accredited PHA resources at StatCare. Call the office in Athens, Knoxville, or Oak Ridge, Tennessee, or book an appointment online today.

What is hypertension?

Your blood pressure is a measure of the force of blood against your artery walls. When you have hypertension, it means your blood pressure is too high, which can lead to damage to your arteries.

There are two types of hypertension:

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension develops gradually over time for no identifiable reason.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension describes high blood pressure that results from an underlying issue, such as:

• Stress
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Use of certain medications

You can also develop secondary hypertension because of obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night.

If left untreated, hypertension can lead to a wide range of health complications, including heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension is known as a silent killer because you can have the condition for many years without any symptoms. As the condition worsens and becomes life-threatening, you might experience dizziness, shortness of breath, and headaches.

To prevent severe health complications, you should schedule routine blood pressure evaluations several types a year with your primary care provider, especially if you have risk factors for hypertension. 

If your blood pressure is too high, the StatCare providers can help you manage it with lifestyle changes, diet improvements, and other strategies to prevent long-term complications.

StatCare is also a certified center of excellence for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension.

What is pulmonary hypertension?

Pulmonary hypertension develops when the pressure in the blood vessels between your heart and lungs is too high. The elevated pressure narrows the arteries in the lungs and restricts the flow of oxygen in your blood. 

Having pulmonary hypertension increases your risk for serious complications like heart enlargement, heart failure, and blood clots.

How is hypertension treated?

Initially, your treatment plan for hypertension may focus on lifestyle and diet changes you can make to lower your blood pressure naturally. That may include:

• Engaging in daily exercise
• Eating a low-salt, low-fat diet
• Limiting alcohol
• Managing stress

If these changes aren’t enough to control your blood pressure, your provider may prescribe medication to relax your blood vessels, so blood can flow more efficiently. Medications are also available to help your kidneys eliminate more fluid from your body.

Treatment for pulmonary hypertension includes oral and inhaled medications and oxygen therapy. While there’s no cure for this condition, your provider can help you manage your symptoms and lower your risk for chronic health complications. 

StatCare also offers diagnostic evaluations for obstructive sleep apnea and other sleep disorders that can increase your risk for hypertension. Based on the results of your testing, your provider can design a treatment plan using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine, sleep hygiene counseling, and other therapies to improve your breathing while sleeping.

For help managing hypertension, call the StatCare office near you or book an appointment online today.