High blood pressure—also known as hypertension—is one of the most common and dangerous health conditions affecting adults today. Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension usually has no obvious symptoms until serious complications develop, such as heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, or vision loss.
At the internal medicine office of Dr. Mark Akselrud, we help patients identify, monitor, and manage high blood pressure early and effectively—preventing long-term damage and improving overall health and longevity.
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries. A normal reading is generally below 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently exceeds 130/80 mmHg, according to the latest American Heart Association guidelines.
There are two main types of hypertension:
Primary (Essential) Hypertension, which develops gradually over time and has no single identifiable cause.
Secondary Hypertension, which is caused by another underlying condition, such as kidney disease, thyroid problems, adrenal disorders, or certain medications.
Left untreated, high blood pressure damages the blood vessels and vital organs over time, significantly increasing the risk of life-threatening conditions.
A number of factors contribute to the development of hypertension, including:
Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after age 50.
Family History: Genetics play a role in many cases.
Lifestyle: A diet high in sodium, physical inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and chronic stress can all raise blood pressure.
Weight: Excess body weight increases the workload on the heart.
Underlying Conditions: Diabetes, sleep apnea, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can all contribute to high blood pressure.
Dr. Akselrud takes a thorough, individualized approach to hypertension diagnosis. Diagnosis is based on multiple elevated readings taken over time, not just a single office visit. We also evaluate for signs of damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.
Depending on the patient’s history and symptoms, we may perform:
Blood tests to assess kidney function and hormone levels
Urinalysis to detect protein or other abnormalities
Electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram to evaluate heart function
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, if needed
This comprehensive evaluation ensures we identify the type of hypertension and any related health concerns.
Managing high blood pressure isn’t just about writing a prescription—it’s about building a long-term plan that works for each individual. At Dr. Akselrud’s office, we develop personalized strategies based on your blood pressure levels, overall health, and lifestyle.
Treatment often includes:
Lifestyle modifications: We guide patients in reducing salt intake, losing weight, increasing physical activity, quitting smoking, and managing stress.
Medication management: If needed, we prescribe the appropriate class of antihypertensive medication—such as ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, or beta blockers—and adjust as necessary for maximum effect with minimal side effects.
Ongoing monitoring: Regular follow-ups help us track progress, adjust medications, and catch changes early to avoid complications.
Patient education: We empower patients with the knowledge to take control of their health—because long-term success depends on informed, proactive care.
Hypertension is often silent, but its consequences are not. The sooner high blood pressure is diagnosed and brought under control, the lower the risk of serious complications. With the right care, most people can manage hypertension effectively and live long, healthy lives.
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure Today
If you’ve been told your blood pressure is high—or if you haven’t had it checked in a while—schedule an appointment with Dr. Mark Akselrud. With expert evaluation and a personalized treatment plan, you can reduce your risk and protect your future health.
