High Blood Pressure

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is a common condition in which the force of the blood against your artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries.

  • In the majority of patients diagnosed with high blood pressure, the cause is not identifiable
  • High blood pressure of unidentifiable origin is known as primary hypertension or essential hypertension, and it usually develops gradually over a long period of time
  • Some people have hypertension that results from some underlying medical condition. This is known as secondary hypertension and it may be more severe than primary hypertension as well as having sudden onset
  • There are many types of medicine and medical conditions that may cause secondary hypertension
  • Normal blood pressure rises steadily from about 90/60 at birth to about 120/80 in a healthy adult.
  • In the U.S. alone, more than 30% of American adults have high blood pressure.
  • Hypertension is the leading cause of stroke and a major cause of heart attack.
  • Along with injuring blood vessels, hypertension can damage the brain, eyes, and kidneys.

Symptoms of high blood pressure:

  • High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” is largely a symptomless condition.
  • Only when blood pressure readings soar to dangerously high levels (systolic of 180 or higher OR diastolic of 110 or higher) may obvious symptoms occur.
  • In addition to extreme readings, a person in hypertensive crisis may experience:
    • Severe headaches
    • Severe anxiety
    • Shortness of breath
    • Nosebleeds

Treatment Options:

  • Eat a better diet, which may include reducing salt
  • Enjoy regular physical activity
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Manage stress
  • Avoid tobacco smoke
  • Comply with medication prescriptions
  • Limit alcohol consumption

How is high blood pressure related to your mouth?

C-reactive protein levels are associated with future development of high blood pressure, which suggests that hypertension is in part an inflammatory disorder. The C-reactive protein is a marker of systemic inflammation that has been associated with an increased risk of incidence of heart attack and stroke. Oral inflammation has also been hypothesized to play a role in the development of hypertension, and cross-sectional evidence demonstrates higher C-reactive protein levels among those individuals with elevated blood pressure.

Our Dental Savings Plans

Lepore Comprehensive Dentistry believes that everyone should have access to high-quality dental care and that financial constraints or insurance status shouldn’t stand in the way for anyone to receive such care. That’s why we have introduced Dental Savings Plans as we don’t want you to compromise on your dental health. We have two plans – Standard and Wellness - offered at an annual membership fee of $429 and $729 respectively.

Membership will entitle you to a host of benefits including free and discounted treatments with a focus on your overall health.

Review by Jeanne M.

Just had a great dental cleaning at Lepore Dentistry. All the covid precautions in place AND it was the most gentle cleaning ever. I almost fell asleep!

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We are your "home" in Dunedin for advanced dentistry and functional dental medicine. Within our inviting, highly personalized concierge environment, our team supports your whole "wellness" - not just the beauty and health of your smile!