What Is Hypertension?

Hypertension happens when the force of blood pushing against artery walls remains consistently too high. Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), with 120/80 mmHg considered optimal. Consistent readings above 130/80 mmHg often indicate hypertension.

This increased pressure may come from higher blood volume or narrowed arteries. Over time, it can damage blood vessels, strain the heart, and raise risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Because hypertension usually has no symptoms, many people only discover it through testing.

Common Symptoms of Hypertension

Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension may go unnoticed for years. Some individuals may experience:

• Headaches or dizziness
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain or palpitations
• Blurred vision or fatigue

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Hypertension often develops from multiple, interconnected factors.

Common contributors include:

• Age (risk increases after 45)
• Family history of high blood pressure or heart disease
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise
• Being overweight or obese
• High-sodium diet or low potassium/vitamin D intake
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Chronic stress and poor sleep
• Underlying conditions like Hypothyroidism, adrenal imbalances, kidney disease, or sleep apnea

Functional medicine care looks for these root drivers, not just the elevated readings, to help you achieve sustainable results.

How Hypertension Is Diagnosed

Hypertension is diagnosed with repeated blood pressure readings, since levels can fluctuate based on stress, activity, and time of day. At Aligned Modern Health, we take a deeper look with advanced testing that may include:

• Kidney and liver function
• Thyroid and adrenal hormone panels
• Cholesterol and lipid levels (High Cholesterol)
• Blood sugar and insulin resistance markers (Type II Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes)
• Inflammation and nutrient markers

This broader perspective helps identify whether your blood pressure is linked to hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, or lifestyle triggers.

Our Treatment Approach

At Aligned Modern Health, we go beyond symptom management to address the root causes of hypertension.

Your care plan may include:

• Functional Medicine: Connecting the dots between diet, stress, inflammation, and metabolism. Explore Functional Medicine.
• Hormone Health: Addressing thyroid, adrenal, and other hormone imbalances that can raise blood pressure. Explore Hormone Health.
• Nutrition & Lifestyle Support: Guidance on reducing sodium, improving nutrient intake, balancing weight, and increasing activity.
• Stress Reduction: Techniques such as Acupuncture to support nervous system regulation and cardiovascular balance.

Our care model combines advanced diagnostics, ongoing monitoring, and personalized support to reduce blood pressure naturally and sustainably.

Conditions Commonly Linked to Hypertension

Hypertension often occurs alongside or worsens other chronic conditions, including:

• Metabolic Syndrome
• Type II Diabetes
• Pre-Diabetes
• High Cholesterol
• Hypothyroidism

What to Expect From Care

1. Initial Visit: We take time to understand your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle.
2. Diagnostic Testing: Advanced labs to uncover the underlying drivers of your high blood pressure.
3. Personalized Care Plan: Nutrition, hormone support, lifestyle changes, and stress management tailored to you.
4. Ongoing Support: Regular follow-ups to track progress, adjust your plan, and provide encouragement along the way.

Care is available in-person at our Chicago-area clinics or through virtual visits. We are in-network with major insurance plans.

Is Hypertension Affecting You?

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure—or want to prevent future complications—Aligned Modern Health can help. Together, we’ll uncover the causes, create a personalized care plan, and support your long-term cardiovascular health.