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What Causes High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is measured when the heart contracts (systolic) and when it relaxes (diastolic). You have high blood pressure (hypertension) when your top number (systolic) is more than 140mm Hg and your lower number (diastolic) is less than 90mm Hg.

Family history, aging, plaque buildup, structural damage to blood vessels or medication can all cause high blood pressure. At Centennial Heart, we can help address other risk factors to reduce the effects of high blood pressure.

The majority of patients have primary hypertension - high blood pressure with no direct cause. Secondary hypertension has an underlying cause like poor kidney (renovascular) and lung (pulmonary function. Malignant hypertension is a less common but dangerously high blood pressure that damages the nervous system, cardiovascular system and organs.

Managing High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a leading cause of stroke and heart attack. The heart works harder to pump blood, causing stress on the blood vessels and an increased risk of damage.

High blood pressure has no direct symptoms, so constant monitoring is essential. Treating high blood pressure can involve medication and collaborative therapy. Lifestyle changes can also reduce blood vessel damage that leads to coronary artery disease, heart failure and heart attack.

We Can Help

At Centennial Heart, our multidisciplinary approach to cardiac care allows us to address symptoms and coordinate your treatment based on your individual needs.

Our advanced diagnostics and blood pressure testing help to accurately monitor your progress and improve overall cardiovascular health. From our dedicated pharmacists to our advanced cardiac imaging technologies, we provide the highest quality of care. Our Heart Team follows you through every step of your journey to improve your quality of life.