Invited Speaker at the 7th International World Congress of Diabetes and Endocrinology Lisbon, Portugal. July 17, 2023

High Blood Pressure Specialist

Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine

Internal Medicine Specialist & Endocrinologist located in Burlington, NC

One in every three American adults has high blood pressure, and as a result, an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. Board-certified physician Sam Morayati, MD, of Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine, offers treatment to adults with high blood pressure to help reduce their risk of experiencing a life-threatening heart attack or stroke. If you're concerned about managing or preventing high blood pressure, call the office in Burlington, North Carolina, or request an appointment online.

High Blood Pressure

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is an all-too-common condition for many Americans in which the long-term force of blood against artery walls causes heart conditions and other health problems.

When your heart has to pump a larger amount of blood because it encounters increased resistance in your arteries for prolonged periods, you end up with high blood pressure. In most cases of high blood pressure, your arteries narrow, forcing your heart to work harder to circulate blood throughout your entire body.

High blood pressure usually develops over the course of several years, and it’s common not to experience warning signs or symptoms until it's too late. The only means to monitor your blood pressure and ensure it's within a safe range is through regular exams and blood pressure checks. That’s why routine checkups and preventive efforts are so important.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Many adults don’t experience any symptoms related to high blood pressure until it reaches a dangerously high level, and even then, you may not notice. Some patients get headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath, but these rarely occur until your blood pressure reaches a life-threatening level.

The best way to prevent complications is to have your blood pressure checked on a regular basis. Dr. Morayati works with you to develop a health plan to keep your blood pressure in check.

What are the risk factors for high blood pressure?

High blood pressure has many different risk factors, many of which can be controlled through a combination of diet, exercise, and medication. Some risk factors are:

  • Over age 45 for men and over 65 for women
  • Family history
  • Ethnicity
  • Obesity
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • High-sodium diet
  • Low-potassium diet
  • Lack of vitamin D
  • High-stress levels over prolonged periods
  • Consuming too much alcohol on a regular basis
  • Some chronic conditions
  • Pregnancy, although usually temporary

In many cases, the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown. Most adults develop high blood pressure gradually over a number of years. If you think that you are at an increased risk of high blood pressure, it’s a good idea to schedule regular visits to Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine. 

What are the treatment options for high blood pressure?

Ideally, you want your blood pressure to remain below the normal range of 120/80. Treatment may include making changes to your diet, becoming more active, quitting smoking, and taking medications that help control high blood pressure. Dr. Morayati takes your overall health, lifestyle, and many other concerns into consideration to create a personalized preventive or treatment plan that works for you.

For comprehensive management of high blood pressure, call Burlington Medical Center/Carolina Nuclear Medicine or request an appointment online.