Care for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Do-it-yourselfer– Edwin Morales of Allentown monitors his blood pressure at home and shares results with his doctor to determine how well his medication is working.
Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart disease, heart attack and stroke. It causes the heart to pump harder to circulate blood throughout the body.
If you need care for high blood pressure, you’re in experienced hands at Lehigh Valley Health Network. Our physicians are specialists in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure. We are the third largest heart program in Pennsylvania and are recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for heart care and heart surgery.
High blood pressure is diagnosed with a simple test done in your doctor’s office. Using a blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, your doctor or nurse will measure the force at which your blood is moving through your arteries. Depending on your family history and risk factors for heart disease, your physician will tell you when and how often you should have your blood pressure checked. We’ll also clearly explain your test results and tell you what they mean to your overall health.
We’ll treat your high blood pressure several ways. If necessary, your physician will prescribe medication to lower your blood pressure. We’ll teach you to eat healthy by choosing foods low in salt, calories and fat. We’ll design an exercise program specifically for you to help you lose weight. We’ll help you quit smoking, and teach you other things your can do, like drinking alcohol in moderation, to lower your blood pressure.
Need Help? Call 610-402-CARE (8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday) to talk to nurses and other experts who can help you find a heart care doctor and more.
This page last updated 12/11/08 09:54 PM
