The Facts about High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is the most common chronic medical condition in senior citizens. In fact, more than half of the people over the age of 65 in the United States are currently being treated for high blood pressure. Because the condition has no symptoms, it is estimated that the actual percentage of those with hypertension is actually much higher.
What Is Hypertension?
In hypertension, bloods flows through the blood vessels with too much force. This increases the amount of work your heart needs to do to process that blood, and also increases the wear and tear on the tissue of the arteries.
What Causes Hypertension?
There are several risk factors for hypertension. Some cannot be controlled, such as a family history of the condition, increasing age, and being male.
Many risk factors, however are controllable. These include:
- Overweight
- Smoking, including exposure to secondhand smoke
- High cholesterol levels
- Physical inactivity
- Stress
The following disorders also contribute to hypertension:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea
How Can I Know If I Have Hypertension?
Hypertension is known as a “silent killer” precisely because you cannot know if you have it. The only way to find out if you have high blood pressure is to have your blood pressure checked regularly. Today, not only can you check your blood pressure at a medical visit, you can also do so for free in many pharmacies. There are also highly accurate blood pressure machines that can be purchased for under $50.
How Serious is Hypertension?
Very serious. Hypertension does not only damage your arteries and your heart, it impacts everywhere your blood goes — which is to say everywhere — including your kidneys, your eyes, and even your brain. And its impact is deadly. Approximately one-half of people with untreated hypertension will die of heart disease. One-third will die of stroke.
How is Hypertension Treated?
Hypertension requires a multi-pronged treatment plan, which includes addressing the risk factors that contributed to it. Getting your blood pressure under control is the first order of business, though. Expect to see your doctor once a month until your it comes under control. Reducing salt intake is also important for controlling hypertension.
Your doctor may also recommend one or more medications, depending on the severity of your hypertension, as well as on any other health conditions you may have.
At the NJ Heart and Lung Center™, we create an individualized plan for each patient. This is proven to prevent readmission to the hospital, and to improve independence.
Regency Jewish has partnered with the area's leading cardiologists and pulmonologists to create a program that:
- Reduces hospital readmissions and patient length of stay
- Maximizes ability for patient to regain ADL skills and independence
- Offers 24/7/365 physician coverage through on-site staff and advanced telemedicine program
- Has an on-site sleep study program to unlock Medicare benefit for Bipap utilization upon discharge
- Offers STAT availability of Labs, X-Ray and other diagnostic tools
Our Outcomes & Capabilities include:
- Cardiologist and pulmonologist on site daily for immediate intervention
- Specialized rehab & nursing protocols developed in partnership with leading cardiologists & pulmonologists
- A plan proven to prevent readmission to the hospital and improve patient independence and functionality
- Regular Communication Between Patient, Family, Staff & Physicians
- Collaborative care planning with other physician & therapy specialists
- Advanced staff education & training
- Transitional care nurse & enhanced discharge-to-home process
- Follow-up home visit within 24-48 hours
- Educational material provided to patients & families
Regency prides itself on offering the very best of care in a patient-centered environment. This means always listening to our residents and patients and respecting their capabilities, while helping them to achieve maximum functionality and independence. And always maintaining the highest professional and quality standards in our staff and our facilities. Our 25 years of excellent care have led to us being awarded a Best Nursing Homes award by US News & World Today, a 5-Star rating by USA Today, and an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, among many other awards. Contact us by clicking here.