Hypertension

Hypertension occurs when you have consistent elevated blood force that runs against your artery walls, often without noticeable symptoms. Over time, it can damage vital organs like your heart, kidneys, and brain, leading to serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. Felicia Hendricks, RD, founder of Heartistry Nutrition in two locations in Sun City and Sun City West, Arizona, has the expertise and experience to help manage hypertension. She offers guidance on how to make lifestyle changes, producing effective results. Learn more by calling or booking online today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension occurs when the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries is consistently elevated. Over time, this can cause the heart to work harder, damaging blood vessels and leading to long-term health complications. 

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers: systolic (pressure during heartbeats) and diastolic (pressure between beats). A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure readings consistently exceed 130/80 mmHg.

What is the difference between high blood pressure and hypertension?

The terms "high blood pressure" and "hypertension" are often used interchangeably, but there’s a slight distinction. High blood pressure refers to the condition of having consistently elevated blood pressure at any given time. 

Hypertension, on the other hand, is the medical diagnosis for chronic high blood pressure, which usually persists over a long period and may require medical intervention. High blood pressure can be a temporary result of stress or physical activity, while hypertension is a long-term condition that can lead to severe health complications if untreated.

What issues can hypertension lead to?

Unchecked hypertension can significantly damage vital organs, particularly the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Over time, the increased pressure can impair the blood vessels, reducing their elasticity, which can impede blood flow. 

This damage increases the risk of life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks, heart failure, strokes, aneurysms, and kidney failure. Chronic high blood pressure can also lead to vision problems and cognitive decline due to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Long-term hypertension significantly increases the risk of several diseases and can lead to a decreased quality of life or premature death.

How is hypertension treated with nutrition?

At Heartistry Nutrition, Felicia treats hypertension with personalized nutrition plans, helping to lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health. She may recommend a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, such as the DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diet. In addition, she may suggest:

• Reducing your sodium intake, as excess salt can raise your blood pressure
• Limiting processed foods and unhealthy fats
• Increasing fiber-rich foods for better gut health and blood sugar control

She works with you to create personalized meal plans that support healthy blood pressure levels while fitting your preferences and lifestyle.

If you have concerns about hypertension, schedule an appointment at Heartistry Nutrition by using the online scheduling feature when you’re ready or call today.