High Blood Pressure Treatment in Huntsville, TX,
Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, and many don’t know it. Because hypertension rarely causes noticeable symptoms in its early stages, it’s often called the “silent killer.” Dr. Nabeel Khan and his team at Nabeel Khan, MD diagnose and treat high blood pressure with personalized care plans designed to protect your heart, brain, and kidneys. If you’re due for a blood pressure screening or concerned about hypertension, call (936) 291-8205 or schedule a consultation online today.
Book OnlineWhat Is High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. Your blood pressure reading includes two numbers:
- Systolic pressure: The top number, which measures the force when your heart beats.
- Diastolic pressure: The bottom number, which measures the pressure when your heart rests between beats.
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. Readings with a systolic pressure between 120 and 129 are considered elevated. Once your blood pressure reaches 130/80 mmHg or higher, you have hypertension. As your blood pressure rises, your condition becomes more severe and your risk of complications increases.
Over time, uncontrolled high blood pressure damages your blood vessels and forces your heart to work harder. This increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
In most adults, high blood pressure develops gradually over many years. Some people have a genetic predisposition to hypertension. If one of your parents has high blood pressure, for example, you have a higher chance of developing it too.
Your lifestyle also plays a major role. Common risk factors include:
- Being overweight
- Eating a diet high in sodium
- Smoking or tobacco use
- Lack of regular physical activity
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Chronic stress
- Aging
High blood pressure can also be related to other health conditions, including diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and thyroid disorders.
What Are the Signs of High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure usually doesn’t cause symptoms in its early stages. Unfortunately, the first sign of hypertension for some people is a heart attack or stroke. When blood pressure becomes very high, it may cause headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or vision changes. If you experience a severe headache, chest pain, or confusion with very high blood pressure, seek emergency care right away.
How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?
Dr. Khan measures your blood pressure at every visit, including your annual physical exam. If your reading is high, he compares it to your previous readings and may schedule follow-up measurements to confirm the diagnosis.
You may also be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home at different times of the day. Home monitoring helps determine whether a high reading was a one-time occurrence, a reaction to being in a medical office, or a sign of ongoing hypertension. Dr. Khan may also order blood work to check for related conditions and evaluate your overall cardiovascular risk.
How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?
Dr. Khan creates a customized treatment plan to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of complications. Treatment often combines lifestyle modifications with medication. Helpful lifestyle changes include:
- Following a heart-healthy diet that is low in sodium
- Getting regular physical activity
- Losing excess weight
- Limiting alcohol
- Quitting smoking
- Managing stress
Depending on your needs, Dr. Khan may also prescribe medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, or vasodilators. Many patients need a combination of medications to reach their target blood pressure. Regular follow-up visits allow him to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Protect Your Heart With Regular Screenings
Getting regular blood pressure screenings is the best way to catch hypertension early and get the treatment you need. Because high blood pressure often occurs alongside high cholesterol, we look at your full cardiovascular picture during every visit. Visit our internal medicine services page to see all of the conditions we treat.
Call Nabeel Khan, MD at (936) 291-8205 or request an appointment online today for expert high blood pressure treatment in Huntsville, TX, .
High Blood Pressure FAQs
What is considered high blood pressure?
A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 130/80 mmHg or higher is considered high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?
Usually not in the early stages, which is why it is often called the silent killer. Very high blood pressure may cause headaches, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain.
What causes high blood pressure?
High blood pressure can be caused by a combination of genetics and lifestyle factors, including excess weight, a high-sodium diet, smoking, inactivity, alcohol use, stress, and aging.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
High blood pressure is diagnosed through repeated blood pressure readings taken in the office and sometimes at home. Dr. Khan may also order blood work to check for related conditions.
Can high blood pressure be lowered without medication?
For some people, yes. Eating a low-sodium diet, exercising regularly, losing weight, limiting alcohol, and quitting smoking can significantly lower blood pressure. Others will also need medication.
How often should I have my blood pressure checked?
Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a year. If you have high blood pressure or risk factors, Dr. Khan may recommend more frequent checks and home monitoring.
What happens if high blood pressure is left untreated?
Untreated high blood pressure can damage your arteries and lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, and vision loss.