High blood pressure develops without your knowledge, causing no symptoms until it reaches a life-threatening level. At Open Door Medical Clinic in Great Falls, Montana, Melonie Parmley, DO, can check your blood pressure regularly so you can act if you’re at risk. Dr. Parmley helps reduce your blood pressure to healthy levels using lifestyle modifications like weight loss and a more nutritious diet. Find out how to lower your blood pressure naturally by calling or using the online booking tool to set up your appointment.

request an appointment

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of blood pumping through your arteries reaches a harmful level. You may be unaware of this problem developing (even when your blood pressure is high enough to present an immediate danger to your health) because it often causes no symptoms.

For this reason, regular blood pressure checkups are vital to your primary care. A quick and simple process, Dr. Parmley wraps a blood pressure cuff around your arm and inflates it. The cuff squeezes tight, then releases, which enables Dr. Parmley to measure the force of blood as your heart beats (systolic reading) and in between heartbeats (diastolic reading).

The two figures measure your blood pressure. Below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic is considered normal blood pressure. Raised blood pressure is 120-129 systolic and below 80 diastolic. If you’re at this point, you can reverse the effects with simple lifestyle changes.

High blood pressure (stage one hypertension) measures 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic. At 140 or higher systolic or above 90 diastolic, you have stage two hypertension.

Why would I have high blood pressure?

Some people develop secondary high blood pressure when they have other health problems, such as:

  • Adrenal gland tumors
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Kidney disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Thyroid disease

Certain drugs, like cough and cold medicines, some pain relievers, contraceptive pills, cocaine, and amphetamines, can sometimes cause high blood pressure.

People with primary hypertension often have no clear underlying causes. However, they’re likely to have high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels caused by cholesterol sticking to the artery walls).

Primary hypertension usually takes years to develop, whereas secondary hypertension happens more quickly and is often severe.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Open Door Medical Clinic focuses on identifying high blood pressure early when it’s easiest to treat. Dr. Parmley uses behavioral and lifestyle modifications to lower your blood pressure, which is so effective for many people that they don’t need medication. Changes you might need to make include:

  • Weight loss
  • Exercising more
  • Reducing salt intake
  • Cutting out cholesterol-rich foods
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing alcohol consumption
  • Managing stress
  • Improving sleep quality and quantity

Dr. Parmley can help with all these changes, offering advice, support and monitoring of your health to ensure your blood pressure goes down. In some cases, people may need substance use treatment alongside other types of medical support.

To arrange your blood pressure checkup, call Open Door Medical Clinic or use the online booking tool today.