High Blood Pressure Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a chronic health condition in which the force of blood against your blood vessel walls is too high. Over time, the excess force damages the blood vessels and other organs, leading to health issues such as kidney disease and heart disease.

High blood pressure is common and often develops without any symptoms. The team at Clover Internal Medicine checks your blood pressure every time you come in for care and can help you track your numbers so you can make lifestyle changes to prevent high blood pressure.

What causes high blood pressure?

For most people, the exact cause of high blood pressure is unknown. This type of high blood pressure is referred to as primary hypertension. You may be at risk of developing high blood pressure if it runs in your family, you are overweight or obese, or you’re a smoker.

You can also develop high blood pressure from an underlying medical condition. This is referred to as secondary hypertension. Common conditions that lead to high blood pressure include:

• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Thyroid problems
• Kidney disease
• Adrenal gland tumor

Your specialist at Clover Internal Medicine focuses on finding the underlying cause of your health issue so you get the most effective treatment.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

One elevated blood pressure reading doesn’t necessarily mean you have high blood pressure. Your specialist at Clover Internal Medicine may need a few elevated blood pressure readings at separate visits before a diagnosis.

It’s well-known that a visit to the doctor can be stressful and cause a falsely elevated blood pressure reading. Your specialist may suggest you invest in a home blood pressure machine or check your blood pressure at your local pharmacy to get a better idea of your numbers before a formal diagnosis is made.

What can I do to improve my high blood pressure?

Your specialist at Clover Internal Medicine creates a personalized treatment plan to improve your blood pressure. Your treatment may include:

• Prescription medications
• Diet changes
• Regular exercise

If you’re overweight or obese, losing weight may help improve your blood pressure and reduce your need to take blood pressure medication.

High blood pressure can sneak up on you, but it can be managed with the right care. For compassionate care from a team that focuses on your overall wellness, call Clover Internal Medicine today or book an appointment online.