In this episode, we tackle one of the most persistent and underestimated health challenges in America—hypertension, better known as high blood pressure. Often called the “Silent Killer,” it quietly affects nearly half of U.S. adults—about 120 million people—yet fewer than one in four have it under control. Host and guests break down what hypertension really is, how it’s diagnosed, and why it’s so dangerous even when you feel fine.
We explore the national, state, and local scope of the problem, revealing why Louisiana—especially the Baton Rouge area—is a hypertension hotspot, with rates significantly above the national average and striking disparities among Black and older adults. The conversation moves through the official AHA/ACC classification guidelines, how clinicians confirm diagnoses through repeated, relaxed readings and lab testing, and the critical differences between office, home, and ambulatory monitoring.
Listeners also learn about the risk factors driving the epidemic, from genetics and age to lifestyle and social determinants like food deserts and access to care. Despite its silent nature, hypertension often hides in plain sight, and when symptoms appear—like morning headaches, nosebleeds, or blurred vision—it may already be serious.
The episode closes by reframing high blood pressure through the lens of Direct Primary Care (DPC)—a more personalized, proactive approach to prevention and long-term management. By combining medical insight with accessible care models, the discussion challenges listeners to rethink how we approach one of the most preventable causes of death in modern healthcare.
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