Hypertension Specialist
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Primary Care Associates of Maryland
Family Medicine & Geriatrics located in Frederick, MD & Clarksburg, MD
Often called “the silent killer,” hypertension affects about 75 million Americans. Praveen Bolarum, MD, and the expert team at Primary Care Associates of Maryland treat patients with high blood pressure and other common health conditions at their two locations in Frederick - on Thomas Johnson Drive and Urbana Pike - and another in Clarksburg, Maryland. Hypertension causes serious ― even life-threatening ― health problems if allowed to progress untreated. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
Hypertension Q & A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when your blood pressure rises to a level considered unhealthy or dangerous. A blood pressure reading indicates how fast the blood is passing through your arteries and how easily it moves — depending on the narrowing or widening of your veins.
When you have hypertension, your veins become narrower. Over time, a high blood pressure reading indicates the presence of chronic hypertension.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
The symptoms of hypertension can vary significantly from one individual to the next. Sometimes hypertension has no symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.
Alternatively, you might have a normal blood pressure reading at the doctor’s office but have high blood pressure in your day-to-day life.
Common symptoms of hypertension include:
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Chest pain
Other symptoms of hypertension include:
- Flushing
- Blood in your urine
- Heart palpitations
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment at Primary Care Associates of Maryland.
What causes hypertension?
The two main types of hypertension are primary and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension develops over time and may not have an apparent cause. Stress, genetics, lifestyle choices, and diet may play a role in primary hypertension.
Secondary hypertension usually develops rapidly and is the result of an underlying condition, like an adrenal problem, kidney disease, an endocrine tumor, or as a side effect of your medication.
How is hypertension treated?
Periods of high blood pressure are common if you’re under stress or physically exerting yourself. But chronic hypertension can be dangerous if untreated. Prevention is always best, which you can achieve by getting your blood pressure checked at every doctor’s appointment.
Treatment for hypertension depends on your unique health history and symptoms and might include:
- Medication
- Dietary changes
- A weight-loss program
If you have an underlying condition, your Primary Care Associates of Maryland provider addresses and treats these issues, which can result in a lower blood pressure reading.
To see a qualified, compassionate physician for hypertension treatment, book an appointment with Primary Care Associates of Maryland today by calling the office nearest you, or using the online booking tool