Submitted by Dr T on December 27, 2012 – 6:22pm
Hi Tevin,
Stress, but not exercise, can certainly contribute to hypertension. To diagnose hypertension, JACC recommendations include measuring your blood pressure three times on at least two separate visits, with five minute intervals.
If indeed too high repeatedly, your evaluation will include a variety of tests and looking at risk factors that can be modified.
A diagnosis includes looking at your past medical history including history of heart disease, stroke, renal dysfunction and diabetes.
- Look for evidence of end-organ damage
- Your kidneys: Check urine for protein and blood
- Check blood chemistries including potassium and creatinine
- Assess for other cardiovascular risks:
If you prove to be part of the 91% of adults in whom no clear cause can be found, treatment involves your lifestyle and advice f what can and should be modified. The goal of blood pressure treatment for uncomplicated hypertension is to get to a BP< 140/90. Untreated hypertension exposes you to high cardiovascular risks that include a heart attack and/or stroke. You can calculate this here.
Hope this helps,
Dr T