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Hypertension Specialist

Raleigh A. Smith, MD, FACS Our Services Hypertension
Raleigh A. Smith, MD, FACS - - General Surgeon

Raleigh A. Smith, MD, FACS

General Surgeon & Medical Aesthetics Specialist located in Aransas Pass, TX

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health complications, such as heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, it’s highly treatable. Dr. Raleigh A. Smith, MD, FACS, performs blood pressure screenings and treats patients with this condition at his self-titled practice in Aransas Pass, Texas. If you’re concerned about high blood pressure, call or click to book an appointment today.

Hypertension

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a common health condition among adults in the United States. In fact, just over one-third of adults aged 20 and older are diagnosed with it. You have hypertension if the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. Narrowing of blood vessels walls can cause this condition.

Having high blood pressure can put you at risk for suffering a stroke or heart attack. Many complications that arise from hypertension are serious, but most people with the condition don’t have symptoms. That’s why getting screened regularly for high blood pressure is important.

What are the risk factors for hypertension?

Some people have a genetic makeup that puts them at risk for hypertension. Certain health conditions and lifestyle choices can also increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, such as:

  • Older age
  • A family history of hypertension
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Being sedentary
  • Too much sodium or too little potassium in your diet
  • Using tobacco products
  • Having sleep apnea, diabetes, or kidney disease
  • Being pregnant
  • Excessive alcohol intake

Taking a test for high blood pressure is simple and lasts just a few minutes. If you have hypertension, Dr. Smith will go over treatment options and, as always, will recommend the least invasive option first.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Controlling hypertension means getting your blood pressure into a normal, healthy range. Doing so will reduce your risk for serious health complications. You can try the following healthy lifestyle changes to get your blood pressure under control without the need for medication:

  • Work out at least 30 minutes most days of the week
  • Eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily
  • Lose weight if you’re overweight
  • Lower your sodium intake
  • Reduce or avoid alcoholic drinks

If a healthy lifestyle doesn’t lower blood pressure enough, Dr. Smith may recommend a blood pressure medication that best matches your needs.

When you’re ready for your next blood pressure screening, call Dr. Smith or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.

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