Skip to content

What Is Hypertension and What Can I Do About It?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that can lead to a wide range of long-term health complications. The most troubling part is that you can have hypertension for years without knowing it because symptoms tend to develop only when the damage is done.

That’s why our heart specialists at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, offer preventive blood pressure screenings on-site. By regularly checking your blood pressure levels, we can identify signs of hypertension in the earliest stages and give you the educational resources you need to get it under control.

Why you have hypertension

Hypertension affects nearly half of the population in the United States. What does it mean exactly to have high blood pressure?

Your blood pressure is the force of your blood against the walls of your blood vessels. In hypertension, the force is too high, which can damage the vessels and increase your risk for cardiovascular complications.

There are two classifications of hypertension – primary and secondary.

Primary hypertension

In primary hypertension, your blood pressure increases gradually over time, but there’s no identifiable cause of it. Factors that can contribute to primary hypertension include:

  • Aging
  • Stress
  • Smoking
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Weight challenges

Primary hypertension is the most common type that people develop in their lifetime and, in some cases, it’s preventable.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that results from underlying illness. Those who have kidney disease or thyroid disease are at increased risk of developing hypertension.

Hypertension treatment starts with change

The initial treatment we use for hypertension focuses on lowering your blood pressure levels naturally. To do this, our heart specialists work closely with you on a management plan that helps you make important lifestyle changes.

If you’re overweight, we can recommend a healthy, nutritious diet plan that supports weight loss and also your heart health. We can also suggest a daily exercise routine that boosts blood circulation and can lower your blood pressure levels.

When stress is a contributing factor to hypertension, you will find that increased exercise can help lower your stress levels. There are also a variety of mindfulness exercises, such as breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga, that you can practice to better manage your stress.

When lifestyle and diet changes aren’t enough to control hypertension, you may need medications. It’s important that you take the medications as prescribed and implement the diet and lifestyle changes that we recommend to keep your blood pressure levels healthy.

Ditching the bad habits

Unhealthy habits, like smoking and excessive alcohol use, contribute to hypertension and can ultimately lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. If you’re not able to quit smoking on your own, our providers can recommend programs that help you quit for good.

You should also limit your alcohol consumption to help lower your blood pressure levels. We can provide guidance on how much is too much, so you can prevent high blood pressure, liver damage, and other long-term complications.

If you’re not in the habit of visiting with your doctor regularly, it’s important that you stay committed to scheduling regular blood pressure checks with our team.

We can also screen for hypertension-related cardiovascular conditions to identify concerns as early as possible. With the right treatment plan, you can manage your blood pressure and any hypertension side effects you experience.

Schedule a blood pressure screening today to lower your risk for hypertension complications. You can call the HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, office nearest to you or book an appointment online. 

You Might Also Enjoy...

The Surprising Link Between Your Kidneys and Your Heart

17-50% of patients with chronic kidney failure also suffer from heart failure. Studies show that the mortality rate of heart failure increases with worsening renal failure. You may be surprised to learn that your kidneys say a lot about your heart. The harmful effects of high blood pressure and diabetes on your heart can also

Read More »

February is American Heart Month

Celebrate American Heart Month this February by raising awareness and taking simple steps to combat one of America’s greatest threats. Whether it means caring for your own health or sharing knowledge with loved ones, American Heart Month is your chance to take action – especially for women. In fact, cardiovascular disease is the number one

Read More »

Easy New Year’s Healthy Habits You Can Actually Keep.

It’s a new year and many of us are feeling the pressure to set lofty goals. One study showed that 62% of adults feel that they have to set New Year’s resolutions. However, history tells us that many of these goals never come to fruition. Luckily there are simple ways to create healthy habits that

Read More »
heart care CT

5 Ways to Deal with Holiday Blues and Find Joy Amidst Sadness

While the holiday season is often depicted as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, if you’re not feeling the holiday cheer, you’re not alone. About 41% of Americans surveyed, report feeling an increase in stress this year due to the holidays.  The holidays can cause higher levels of anxiety and depression for many reasons.

Read More »

5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Heart

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects more than 100 million people in the United States! Managing diabetes or prediabetes is difficult on its own but these conditions also increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.  November is National Diabetes Month, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about diabetes. This month, make

Read More »

Are Allergies Affecting Your Heart?

Are you plagued by pesky fall allergies? You might be familiar with the runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and itchy eyes that come with seasonal allergies, but did you know it could have an effect on your heart? If you’re prone to allergies then it may surprise you to know that allergic disorders have a connection

Read More »

Appointment Request


HeartCare Associates of Connecticut provides the highest level of care to our patients. From treatments of common coronary problems, to non-invasive and state-of-the-art procedures, to life saving surgeries our dedicated and compassionate staff will make you feel at ease.

Some of the most common illnesses and issues we treat are:

  • Aneurysms

  • Cardiac Catherterization, Angiography & Stenting

  • Congestive Heart Failure Treatment Center

  • Coronary Bypass Surgery

  • Coronary Heart Disease

  • Coumadin & Anticoagulation Clinic

  • Diabetes

  • Dizziness, Palpitations, & Heart Rhythmn

  • Heart Valve Problems

  • High Cholesterol & Triglycerides

  • Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

  • Nuclear Cardiac Scanning

  • Nutrition Programs

  • Pacemakers

  • Peripheral Arterial Disease

  • Preventive Health Programs

  • Stroke Prevention

  • Swelling (Edema) of the Legs & Ankles

  • Treatment & Prevention of Obesity

  • Ultrasound Testing & Echocardiography

  • Vein Care

  • Womens Health