What Is High Blood Pressure?
Common Risk Factors
- Family history of hypertension
- High sodium or processed-food diet
- Obesity or being overweight
- Lack of physical activity
- Chronic stress
- Excessive alcohol consumption or tobacco use
- Certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes
Potential Complications
- Heart attack or stroke
- Heart failure
- Kidney damage
- Vision problems
- Cognitive decline
How Vermont Family Medicine Manages Hypertension
- Dietary counseling to follow the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) plan
- Weight-loss strategies and physical activity planning
- Stress management techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness
- Medication management including ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta blockers, or diuretics when needed
- Home blood pressure monitoring with regular in-office follow-ups
- Lab tests to check kidney function, cholesterol, and electrolyte levels
Why Choose Vermont Family Medicine for Blood Pressure Care?
- Personalized, Lifestyle-First Approach: We focus on natural improvements before jumping to medication
- Convenient Monitoring: Support for home BP cuffs and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure tracking
- Integrated Care: Coordination with cardiologists or nephrologists when necessary
- Data-Driven Adjustments: Medication and lifestyle plans updated regularly based on your real numbers
- Long-Term Prevention: Education and support to help you stay on track year after year