Have you recently been told that you have high blood pressure – also known as hypertension – and you’re now on the quest to learn more about the condition to save you from having to search for an “emergency room near me” in Temple, TX because the condition has gotten worse? If so, we hope the following provides the information you need.

Understanding Hypertension

Hypertension – or high blood pressure — is very common condition that can affect both genders and all ages. In non-medical terms, it can be defined as the force of the blood pressing against arterial walls. If left untreated, the condition can cause shortness of breath, chest pains, dizziness, blurred vision, and heart attack.

The Two Types of Hypertension

The condition of hypertension is typically classified into one of two categories. Primary hypertension gradually occurs over a period of years with no defined cause of the condition, whereas secondary hypertension is linked to a specific condition such as alcohol abuse, sleep apnea, thyroid problems, kidney problems, fatty liver, or more.

Some Scary Facts About High Blood Pressure

One of the scariest facts about hypertension is that it’s commonly known as “the silent killer” because it can elevate to a heart attack in a very short amount of time. Some of the signs that a person may be experiencing a heart attack from elevated blood pressure include those mentioned above, as well as arm pain, upper back pain, nausea, vomiting, and more. If you experience one or more of these symptoms, it’s recommended that you seek immediate treatment from a Temple emergency room or call 9-1-1.

Express ER in Temple Suggests These Lifestyle Changes to Control Hypertension

Following are some ideas that you can incorporate into your lifestyle starting today. There really is no need to wait until tomorrow to take control of high blood pressure in Temple.

• Reduce the amount of salt in your diet
• Incorporate daily exercise – even if it’s only 10-15 minutes – into your daily routine
• Limit the amount of alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking – even vaping is being studied as a contributor to hypertension
• Reduce your weight and increase your muscle mass
• Eat at least five portions of fruit or vegetables each day
• Find ways to manage your stress – some ideas include exercise, meditation, and deep breathing

The good news is that medication is available to treat hypertension while you’re incorporating some of these lifestyle changes into your new outlook on life!