By Metro Health Hospital

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to serious health problems. Fortunately, with medications and lifestyle changes, many people are able to control their hypertension.

How do I know if I have hypertension?

A person can have hypertension for years without symptoms. Because of this it can be a silent killer, leading to a heart attack or stroke without ever presenting itself earlier. However, there are many risk factors that contribute to hypertension, which can be an indicator for your physician:

• Age: The risk of hypertension increases with age – eventually everyone develops a degree of hypertension.
• Race: Hypertension is particularly common among African Americans and Hispanic Americans, as is the risk for stroke and heart attack.
• Obesity
• Family history
• Low physical activity
• Tobacco use
• Excess salt in your diet

What treatments are available?

Despite the lack of symptoms, hypertension is easy to diagnose. Once diagnosed, you and your physician can work together to manage it with a combination of medications and lifestyle changes.

Learn more:

Dr. Eric Walchak – a cardiologist at Metro Heart & Vascular who is board certified in hypertension care – will be presenting a FREE seminar about hypertension and will talk about causes, prevention and the latest treatment options.

Metro Health Hospital will be hosting a seminar on hypertension tonight, March 10, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Metro Health Conference Center, 2225 Main St SW, Wyoming. Register by clicking here or by calling 616-252-7117.