Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD regarding my high blood pressure?

Certainly. The doctor will engage in discussions about your current health status, medical background, and any symptoms or indicators of high blood pressure that you may be encountering.

Before confirming a high blood pressure diagnosis, the doctor will recommend an evaluation of your blood pressure.

If a high blood pressure diagnosis is provided, the doctor may advise additional tests to assess potential underlying conditions.

Utilizing this information, the doctor will tailor suitable recommendations for high blood pressure treatments based on your specific condition.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Absolutely, our healthcare professionals can prescribe high blood pressure medications online during your consultation. Upon accepting the prescription, you’ll have the choice to retrieve it from any pharmacy or have it conveniently delivered to your door at no extra cost.

 

What is high blood pressure?

Blood pressure is the amalgamation of cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, aiming to sustain optimal organ perfusion (the rate at which blood reaches tissue) within the body. When organs experience insufficient blood supply, the body signals an increase in blood pressure to enhance perfusion.

Termed hypertension, high blood pressure arises from excessive resistance to blood flow through the arteries. As blood navigates the arteries, increased space facilitates smoother flow, while narrowed pathways escalate resistance, elevating blood pressure. This necessitates heightened effort from the body to achieve the desired level of organ perfusion.

Hypertension manifests in two forms:

1. Primary – Typically lacks a discernible cause, develops gradually over years, and can result from various contributing factors (genetics, renal structure, function, etc.), with much yet to be understood about its primary origins.
2. Secondary – Originating from an underlying medical condition, secondary hypertension may manifest suddenly and often leads to more pronounced blood pressure spikes than primary hypertension.

Left untreated, chronic high blood pressure can lead to health complications and serious issues, including:

• Heart problems (heart failure, heart attack, heart disease, etc.)
• Vision loss
• Aneurysms
• Ischemic stroke
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Memory loss or cognitive difficulties
• Dementia
• Metabolic syndrome
• Impaired kidney function

 

What are the indicators of high blood pressure?

In many cases, individuals may not exhibit noticeable symptoms or signs of high blood pressure, even when blood pressure tests reveal elevated levels.

However, when blood pressure reaches severe levels, there are certain warning signs to be vigilant about, including:

• Vision problems
• Chest pain
• Confusion or nervousness
• Nosebleeds
• Sudden episodes of fatigue
• Intense headaches
• Irregular heartbeat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Pulsing sensations in the ears, neck, or chest
• Presence of blood in urine
• Unexplained or excessive sweating
• Facial flushing
• Insomnia
• Bloodshot or blood spots in the eyes

If you suspect you might be experiencing signs of severe high blood pressure, prompt medical attention is strongly recommended.

 

What leads to high blood pressure?

Primary hypertension often emerges from a combination of factors and may develop gradually over an extended period, with subtle changes occurring over time.

While the precise cause of primary hypertension may not be fully discernible, several known risk factors heighten the likelihood of experiencing hypertension, including:

• Age
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history
• High-sodium diets (exceeding 3gm/day)
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Reduced nephron number
• Race

Secondary high blood pressure can stem from various underlying conditions, including:

• Kidney disease
• Thyroid issues
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Specific congenital defects
• Illicit drug use (cocaine, amphetamines, etc.)
• Certain medications (birth control pills, decongestants, NSAIDs, etc.)
• Adrenal gland tumors
• Diabetes

 

How is high blood pressure identified?

Upon initial consultation with a doctor regarding high blood pressure, a comprehensive process is initiated. The doctor will conduct a physical examination and delve into your medical history.

Key aspects they will explore include the duration of your high blood pressure, any previous investigations into the condition, and whether there is a familial history of hypertension. High blood pressure, often referred to as the “silent killer,” typically manifests without noticeable symptoms. The doctor may request you to measure your blood pressure at home to rule out “White Coat Hypertension” or assist in diagnosing “Masked Hypertension.”

A definitive high blood pressure diagnosis is generally established through a blood pressure test administered at a clinic, providing a clear indication of your current blood pressure status. Additional testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess potential complications of untreated hypertension. These tests may include:

• Lab tests (urine, blood, or cholesterol tests)
• Electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)
• Echocardiogram
• Ambulatory monitoring

Once the doctor identifies the underlying cause of your high blood pressure, they can offer a precise diagnosis and propose suitable treatment options, potentially involving prescription medications for high blood pressure.

 

How is high blood pressure managed?

Typically, the initial approach to address high blood pressure symptoms involves making lifestyle modifications. Adopting certain practices can contribute to lowering blood pressure:

1. Weight management, aiming for a healthy BMI of 18.5-24.9.
2. Engaging in regular physical activity.
3. Maintaining a well-balanced diet with reduced salt intake (less than 3mg/day).
4. Moderating alcohol consumption to less than two beverages per day or abstaining entirely.
5. Quitting smoking.
6. Avoiding illegal drugs and medications known to cause blood pressure spikes.

In cases where lifestyle adjustments prove insufficient, the doctor may recommend prescription medications as part of high blood pressure treatment. These may include:

• Diuretics
• Long-acting calcium channel blockers (CCBs)
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Beta blockers
• Single-pill combinations of the listed medications

Determining the most effective high blood pressure treatment may involve some trial and error with different medications.

 

When should you consult a doctor for elevated blood pressure?

If you are experiencing symptoms or indications of high blood pressure, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

While lifestyle adjustments and dietary modifications can often contribute to maintaining healthy blood pressure, in certain instances, additional testing may be required to identify any underlying conditions causing the elevated blood pressure.

If an underlying condition is determined to be the cause of hypertension, your doctor may recommend prescription medications to address the symptoms.

Doctors at Laso MD can facilitate the necessary tests and provide guidance on suitable treatments to help you manage a healthy blood pressure.

 

What is Laso MD?

Laso MD offers you the opportunity to engage with a doctor regarding your symptoms within minutes. We are a healthcare application providing swift and convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

By logging in, you can effortlessly request a consultation with just a tap of a button, and we’ll promptly connect you to a doctor through live chat or video. For more information, you can explore our How it Works page.

Our team of doctors is proficient in assessing symptoms and delivering comprehensive treatment, including prescriptions when deemed necessary.