"We will be in MOVED into our NEW office starting September 26, 2022, Our new address is 6043 Shallowford Rd Suite 101, Chattanooga TN 37421. We are moving across the street from our current office. Thank You Dr. Avitabile and staff. 
Alyson Marter will be going full time starting September 26, 2022 and she will be available for appointments M-F"

Hypertension

RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC Our Services Hypertension

RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC

Family Medicine located in Chattanooga, TN

High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects as many as one in three adults in the United States alone. Because hypertension increases your risk of severe health complications, including heart attack and stroke, Dr. Anthony Avitabile at RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC, provides integrative management solutions to reduce your risk factors. Book your hypertension evaluation in Chattanooga, Tennessee, through the website or by calling the office today.

Hypertension Q & A

What are the complications of hypertension?

Your blood pressure reading is a measurement of the force that blood exerts on the walls of your blood vessels. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, means that there’s too much pressure on your veins and arteries. 

Over time, hypertension can damage your blood vessels and your heart. A significant complication is the narrowing of your arteries (atherosclerosis). Hypertension and related complications can increase your risk of:

  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Vision loss
  • Blood clots

Because even a moderate increase in hypertension can put you at risk of serious health issues, it’s important to undergo comprehensive care to get your blood pressure under control.

Does hypertension cause symptoms?

No. This is why this chronic condition has a nickname of “silent killer.” The only way to know if your blood pressure is high is to check it, which is why your provider at RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC, takes your blood pressure reading every time you come into the office.

To preserve your heart health, your doctor wants to see that your blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. If your blood pressure is regularly above 130/80 mm Hg, you likely have Stage 1 hypertension, while Stage 2 hypertension occurs when your blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg.

The only time high blood pressure is known to cause noticeable symptoms is when you’re in a state of hypertensive crisis, a medical emergency. When your blood pressure goes above 180/120 mm Hg, you may start experiencing severe head pain, shortness of breath, and chest pain. 

What is the treatment for hypertension?

When you visit RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC, for your hypertension evaluation, your dedicated physician gathers detailed information about your personal and family medical history.

After talking with you about your lifestyle and daily routine, your doctor works with you to create a personalized hypertension management plan, which often includes medication and lifestyle changes. Treating hypertension can include: 

  • Smoking cessation
  • Weight management
  • Stress reduction techniques 
  • Physical activity and exercise planning
  • Dietary counseling to reduce sodium and increase fiber

Your doctor at RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC, may also prescribe blood pressure-lowering medications that help open up your vessels, flush out excess fluid, or minimize exertion from your heart. 

Click on the online scheduling tool to book your hypertension exam at RiverCity Family Medicine, PLLC, today. You can also call the office to speak with a team member.  

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