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Blood Pressure Specialist

Lower Merion Family Medicine

Family Medicine located in Narberth, PA

High blood pressure currently affects around 75 million men and women in the U.S. But, about half of those affected don’t have their blood pressure under control and run the risk of heart disease, stroke, or even death. At Lower Merion Family Medicine in Narberth, Pennsylvania, the experienced family medicine doctors can diagnose, treat, and even help you prevent high blood pressure. Use the online scheduler, or call the office to make your appointment now.

Blood Pressure Q & A

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when your blood pushes against your artery walls too forcefully. High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but that does not mean that it is not a serious problem.

Untreated high blood pressure can cause heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and possibly death. Fortunately, it is controllable with your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor’s guidance.

What do the blood pressure numbers mean?

When your care provider checks your blood pressure during each office visit, they see two numbers, systolic and diastolic. For example, your blood pressure reading may be 118 (systolic)/78 (diastolic).

Systolic, the pressure during heartbeats, is high at 130 and above. Diastolic, the pressure between heartbeats, is high at 80 and up. If your blood pressure reading is elevated (120-129/less than 80), you do not officially have high blood pressure, but your doctor will monitor it closely and may recommend healthy changes to help you prevent high blood pressure.

If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, you have high blood pressure. Your Lower Merion Family Medicine doctor can recommend steps to reduce your blood pressure immediately.

Do I need medication to lower my blood pressure?

It depends on your specific situation. Many men and women lower their blood pressure by making healthy changes such as:

  • Stopping smoking

  • Drinking less (or quitting) alcohol

  • Exercising more

  • Monitoring your sodium intake (less is always better)

  • Losing weight, if overweight or obese

  • Eating a heart-healthy diet with lots of whole grains, low-fat proteins, fresh produce, and little saturated and trans fat

If these changes are not helpful, your doctor may prescribe medication.

If you work with your doctor, there is no reason why you have to develop high blood pressure at all. But, if you already suffer from high blood pressure, your Lower Merion Family Medicine physician is here to help you get healthy again. Book your appointment online or by phone now.