High Blood Pressure Specialist
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Nabeel Khan, MD
Primary Care Practice located in Huntsville, TX
Over 45% of American adults have high blood pressure. The condition doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, so many people don’t know their heart is at risk. Nabeel Khan, MD and his team diagnose and treat hypertension at his private practice in Huntsville, Texas. If you’re due for a blood pressure screening or are concerned about hypertension, call Dr. Khan or schedule a consultation online today.
High Blood Pressure
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is the force exerted by your blood against the insides of your blood vessels. Your blood pressure reading includes two numbers — your systolic and diastolic pressure. Healthy blood pressure is written as 120/80 mmHg.
Your systolic pressure is the higher number. It represents the force exerted when your heart beats. The lower number, your diastolic pressure, is the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
Any blood pressure reading over 120/80 mmHg is considered elevated. Once your blood pressure reaches 130/80 mmHg, you have hypertension. As your blood pressure increases, your condition becomes more severe and dangerous.
What causes high blood pressure?
It’s possible to have a genetic predisposition to high blood pressure. For example, if one of your parents has high blood pressure, you have an increased chance of developing it, too.
Your lifestyle also contributes to your risk of high blood pressure. For example, if you’re overweight, eat an unhealthy diet, smoke, or don’t exercise, you have an increased chance of developing high blood pressure.
What are the signs of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. Often, the first sign of hypertension is a heart attack or stroke. However, advanced hypertension can cause headaches, nosebleeds, and shortness of breath.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Your provider measures your blood pressure at your annual physical. If it’s high, Dr. Khan compares it to your readings from previous years and may schedule additional testing.
You might need to monitor your blood pressure at home at different times of day to determine if your high reading is a one-off or a sign of a more severe condition.
How is high blood pressure treated?
Dr. Khan creates a customized treatment plan to address your high blood pressure. He often combines lifestyle modifications with medication.
Adjusting your diet, getting regular exercise, and losing weight can help lower your blood pressure. Depending on your needs, Dr. Khan may also prescribe medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, or vasodilators.
Getting regular screenings is the best way to catch high blood pressure early and get the treatment you need to protect your health. Call Nabeel A. Khan, MD, or make an appointment online today for expert treatment for high blood pressure.
