Understanding and Managing High Blood Pressure
Know Your Risk
High blood pressure — also known as hypertension — is one of the most common and preventable health conditions affecting Americans today. At Seale Harris Clinic, we help patients monitor and manage their blood pressure before it leads to more serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, or kidney damage. Our providers work with you to understand your risk, run appropriate tests, and develop a long-term care plan.
What to Expect
Your hypertension evaluation will start with a simple blood pressure reading. The healthy target is:
- Systolic (top number): ≤ 120
- Diastolic (bottom number): ≤ 80
If your blood pressure is elevated, our team may recommend further evaluation, including:
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) – to assess heart rhythm and stress
- Chest X-ray – to evaluate heart size and function
- Lifestyle counseling – diet, stress management, and exercise
- Medication management – when lifestyle changes aren’t enough
- In some cases, your provider may refer you for advanced testing, such as:
- Echocardiogram
- Carotid Ultrasound
- Nuclear Stress Test
Common Symptoms of Hypertension
Many people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Dizziness
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Vision changes
- Blood in the urine
