What Kind Of Doctor Specializes In Hypertension

High Blood Pressure In Older People

The target blood pressure reading for the over-80s is below 150/90 mmHg when its measured in the clinic or surgery, and below 145/85 mmHg for home readings.

While there are definite benefits from taking medicines to reduce blood pressure if youre under the age of 80, its less clear its useful if youre over 80.

Its now thought that if you reach 80 while youre taking medicine for high blood pressure, its fine to continue treatment provided its still helping you and is not causing side effects.

If youre diagnosed with high blood pressure and youre aged over 80, your doctor will also consider your other health risk factors when deciding whether to give you treatment for the high blood pressure.

Page last reviewed: 23 October 2019 Next review due: 23 October 2022

Why Do People Have High Blood Pressure

People can have high blood pressure for many reasons. For most adults who have high blood pressure, doctors dont know why. Many adults develop high blood pressure slowly over many years, and this is called primary hypertension.

If your doctor does know why you have high blood pressure, this is called secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension usually happens more quickly than primary hypertension and also causes higher blood pressure. Diseases, conditions, and medications cause secondary hypertension. Causes may include the following:

• Kidney problems

Read Also: Are Tomatoes Good For Blood Pressure

How Is Resistant Hypertension Diagnosed

• Full history and physical exam, which includes letting your doctor know about all medications and supplements, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, herbal or recreational. Its important to mention if you skip doses of daily medicines.
• True measurement of your blood pressure using correct technique and calibrated equipment.
• Home blood pressure measurement during the day and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to record your blood pressure throughout a regular day. It may be used if your physician suspects your blood pressure readings in the office dont tell the whole story.
• Tests for secondary conditions, which may include special blood work and imaging studies. Identifying and treating these conditions may eliminate hypertension or at least make it more treatable.
• Tests for organ damage caused by hypertension, which may include:
• Electrocardiogram to measure your hearts size and rhythm
• Echocardiogram to measure your hearts size and function
• Fundoscopic eye exam to check for damaged blood vessels inside the eye these tiny blood vessels come in from the brain and are a unique opportunity for your doctor to judge the health of similar blood vessels in your brain, heart and kidneys
• Urinalysis to check for kidney damage
• Other blood tests

Recommended Reading: Blood Pressure Effect

Are Video Visits With A High Blood Pressure / Hypertension Doctor Online Covered By My Insurance

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for High Blood Pressure / Hypertension doctors who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.

Enlarged Heart And Cardiovascular Health

Question: I am 23 years old and in pretty good health. I have three children, and towards the end of each pregnancy, I have developed high blood pressure. Last week I went to a family doctor for a physical, and my blood pressure was 118/100. The doctor performed an electrocardiogram , and the results were abnormal she said that the left side of my heart is enlarged. She referred me to a cardiologist, and I have an appointment next week. I am very concerned. Does this mean that I will die young? Can I live a long life with an enlarged heart? I would appreciate your advice.

Answer: I agree with your doctor that aggressive management of your blood pressure is warranted. Your history of high blood pressure associated with pregnancy is not uncommon, and can be a harbinger of sustained hypertension such as what you seem to have developed. Although your top number, or systolic pressure, is not alarming, the bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is distinctly abnormal at 100 mm Hg. The criteria for assessing the enlargement of the left-sided heart in people your age are not definitive, and can depend on ethnicity and degree of physical training. Often, a trained observer can detect enlargement of the left ventricle, the main pumping chamber of the heart, on physical examination.

You May Like: Low Blood Pressure Heart Disease

Hypertension Rates In Minority Communities

Jamerson and the writing team summarize the increased prevalence of hypertension in minority communities in chapter 10 of the guidelines, describing treatment challenges including barriers to adoption of lifestyle recommendations and access to medical care.

Particularly for African-Americans, mean blood pressure is higher than in other groups, Jamerson says, so these updated guidelines will likely have greater impact for African-American patients.

I think that the overall impact will be positive, Jamerson says. The hope is the early detection and identification of people with higher risk of hypertension-related diseases would be a potent strategy for risk modification.

None of the authors of the new guidelines have any financial conflicts related to the research.

Risk Factors For Kidney Disease

Since kidney disease can become serious before symptoms are present, it’s important to have a high index of suspicion and be aware of conditions which predispose you to kidney disease. People who are at greater risk of developing renal failure include those with:

• Diabetes
• Long-standing high blood pressure
• Heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, or congestive heart failure
• Other vascular diseases such as cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease
• A family history of kidney disease
• Prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and Celebrex

Read Also: Spicy Food Blood Pressure

What Type Of Doctor May I Need To See To Diagnose Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

ANSWER

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is tough to diagnose. Its symptoms can seem vague, and they’re also signs of many other problems that aren’t as serious. Your doctor will most likely try to rule out other causes of your symptoms first.

You may need to see a heart specialist, called a cardiologist, or a lung specialist, called a pulmonologist. Or your doctor may send you to a center that specializes in diagnosing and treating PAH.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

American Heart Association: Pulmonary Hypertension.

National Organization for Rare Disorders: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

American Thoracic Society: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

NCBI Bookshelf: Heritable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Stringham, R. American Family Physician, August 2010.

University of Rochester Medical Center: Right Heart Catheterization.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: What is Pulmonary Hypertension?

Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

American Heart Association: Pulmonary Hypertension.

National Organization for Rare Disorders: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

American Thoracic Society: Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

NCBI Bookshelf: Heritable Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Stringham, R. American Family Physician, August 2010.

University of Rochester Medical Center: Right Heart Catheterization.

• What is hyperventilation?

Other Answers On:

Board Certified Family Practice Physician Located In Greensburg Pa & Delmont Pa

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects 75 million adults in the United States, and it significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke the first and third causes of death. Dr. Matthew Levin treats hypertension in patients of all ages living in the Delmont and Greensburg, Pennsylvania areas. This disease, which is often called the silent killer can affect children, too. To get your blood pressure checked, call or schedule an appointment using the online system.

You May Like: Can Apple Watch Test Blood Pressure

How We Help Prevent High Blood Pressure

Heart and vascular specialists at Houston Methodist dont just treat and manage high blood pressure were also committed to preventing high blood pressure from developing in the first place.

Our cardiologists can help you understand how to prevent heart disease, which often starts with choosing lifestyle behaviors that can help control your blood pressure.

In addition, experts in our Cardiovascular Prevention and Wellness Program can help you understand your risk for high blood pressure, as well as how to reduce your risk.

What We Offer You For High Blood Pressure

• Advanced expertise from specialists who understand complex hypertension issues that other clinics may not have experience treating.
• Precise diagnostic tests, including 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, cardiac testing, and genetic testing, so we can tailor your treatment.
• Team-based treatment planning that includes biweekly meetings where specialists from our Hypertension Clinic share expertise and discuss treatment options.

• Collaborative care between cardiologists, endocrinologists, nephrologists, radiologists, and psychologists to provide thorough, personalized treatment.
• Comprehensive support, including follow-up visits by phone, a heart-healthy eating plan tailored for you by a dietitian, and support groups.
• Active clinical trials program that gives patients access to the most promising treatment options and medications before they are available to the public.

Read Also: Bp And Headaches

Why Might I Need To See A Healthcare Provider Who Specializes In Obesity

If you are obese, its important that you get the right treatment. Obesity can lead to a number of serious health conditions, including:

• Diabetes

• Certain lung diseases

• Certain cancers

You might begin your treatment with your primary healthcare provider. If you need additional help, you may want to see a bariatric healthcare provider. He or she may have new ideas or approaches for weight loss that can help you. Some bariatric healthcare providers give general medical care in addition to treating obesity. In this case, you may choose to make your bariatric healthcare provider your primary healthcare provider.

Reduce Your Sodium Intake

Ideally you should consume less than 1,500 milligrams a day of sodium, said Dr. Sachdev. But any amount of reduction can help.

There is often a lot of sodium in packaged or prepared foods, she said. Thats why its really helpful to learn how to read nutrition labelssometimes you may not realize how much sodium is in a particular food.

You can also track your food to see how much sodium you are taking in a typical day, Dr. Sachdev said, noting that monitoring your sodium can help you figure out ways to cut back.

Read Also: Vinegar And High Blood Pressure

Treatment For Resistant Hypertension

Our specialized doctors spend the time to understand why you have high blood pressure and how it affects your health. We may discover that we can effectively treat you with established treatment approaches. For hard-to-treat conditions, we go beyond the standard care to find an appropriate treatment.

What Type Of Doctor Should I See For High Blood Pressure

Diagnosing high blood pressure is usually done during your annual visit to your primary care doctor or the nurse practitioner. They can help get your blood pressure down to a manageable level through medication and recommendations for lifestyle modifications in nutrition and exercise.

Over time, the effects of high blood pressure may cause other symptoms related to your heart and vascular health. It is recommended that a specialist, a cardiologist monitors your care. A cardiologist has special training in identifying, preventing, and treating diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

Your primary care provider and your cardiologist will work together to manage your blood pressure to prevent damage to vital organs. You are also part of your healthcare team. Your role is to discuss concerns, challenges, and goals for your healthcare with your providers. Also, you are responsible for monitoring your blood pressure between visits to assist the team in providing the best care specific to your needs.

Through successful communication and collaboration, you and your healthcare team can manage your blood pressure to healthy levels for you!

Don’t Miss: Does Claritin Increase Blood Pressure

What You Need To Know

• Twenty percent of patients with hypertension are resistant.
• Resistant hypertension may have no symptoms at all for months or years, but then can cause heart attack, stroke, and vision and kidney damage.
• Some people have pseudoresistant hypertension, which is caused by other factors, such as conflicting medications or white coat hypertension .
• Pseudoresistant hypertension is important to diagnose and treat.
• Assessment and treatment of resistant hypertension includes addressing any identifiable conditions or causes and adjusting medications in a personalized way.

How Doctors Treat Hypertension

How your doctor treats your hypertension, or high blood pressure, really depends upon just how high your blood pressure is when your doctor discovers that it is too high. Here are the readings that doctors consider when they begin to treat you for hypertension:

* Normal blood pressure: less than 120/80

* Prehypertension: 120-139/80-89

* Stage 1 Hypertension:140-159/90-99

* Stage 2 Hypertension: 160 or greater/100 or higher

For a reading in the prehypertension range, your doctor will likely only recommend some lifestyle changes. He or she will tell you to quit smoking, lose weight, and get more exercise. If the doctors advice is taken and these lifestyle changes are implemented, it will probably return to normal within a few weeks.

For a reading in the hypertension range, your doctor will also recommend the above-listed lifestyle changes. He or she will also probably prescribe one of the many diuretic drugs, and if one doesnt work, he or she will prescribe a different one.

If the diuretic drugs and the lifestyle changes do not lower your blood pressure, or if your reading is in the Stage 1 or Stage 2 range, you doctor will prescribe blood-pressure-lowering medications. He or she will monitor the levels of these drugs that are in your system very closely.

* Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors

Dont Miss: Does Claritin D Raise Blood Pressure

You May Like: Pain Increase Blood Pressure

Portal Hypertension: What You Need To Know

• If you have liver disease, you have an increased risk of portal hypertension . Be aware of unusual symptoms.
• Your doctor may perform an endoscopy to diagnose portal hypertension.
• The main complications of portal hypertension is bleeding varices and ascites .
• Treatment for portal hypertension includes medication, endoscopic treatment and in severe cases, liver transplantation.

Normally, the blood flows smoothly through the channels, but diseases such as cirrhosis cause the channels to become irregular or blocked. This makes it difficult for the blood to flow, causing increased pressure.

If the pressure becomes too great, and the normal pathways are blocked, then the blood backs up and travels throughout the body, causing varices and hemorrhoids.

About High Blood Pressure

Who Is Most at Risk for Developing High Blood Pressure?

Risk factors for hypertension include:

• Age risk increases significantly after 45 for men and after 65 for women
• Family history of hypertension
• Race in particular, African Americans are at increased risk
• Obesity which causes the body to use more blood
• Sedentary lifestyle which raises the heart rate and can lead to obesity
• Smoking which damages the lining of the artery walls
• Too much sodium which causes the body to retain fluid
• Too little potassium causing an overabundance of sodium
• Excessive alcohol use more than two drinks per day
• Chronic stress which can have lasting effects on blood pressure

Healthy lifestyle behaviors that can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking, if you smoke

What Are the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension is largely a condition with no symptoms.

When blood pressure reaches exceedingly high levels , symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Vision changes

Because high blood pressure is most often a silent disease, its important to have your blood pressure checked regularly and to take steps to keep your blood pressure within the normal range.

How Is High Blood Pressure Detected?

How Is High Blood Pressure Treated?

In early stages, elevated blood pressure can be managed by making lifestyle modifications.

Many different classes of hypertension drugs are available. Common types include:

Also Check: What Makes Your Bp High

Being Your Own Advocate With Your Kidneys

When it comes to living with kidney disease, recovery usually does not happen once your GFR has chronically declined to the advanced stages. Hence, the emphasis really needs to be on prevention. The next time you see your healthcare provider make sure to discuss the results of your GFR and ask if you should be seen by a specialist.

The Different Types Of Heart Specialists

Here is a quick look at 10 different types of heart specialists and what they do:

Clinical cardiologists: Clinical cardiologists can diagnose, confirm and manage heart disease. This is the specialist you need if you develop symptoms such as angina or an abnormal heart rhythm or have a heart attack. A clinical cardiologist will coordinate your care with other physicians and surgeons, if necessary.

Interventional cardiologists: Interventional cardiologists specialize in invasive, but nonsurgical, procedures for treating coronary artery disease, valve disease, peripheral artery disease and carotid artery disease in the large vessels leading to the brain. Their procedures are performed in the cardiac catheterization laboratory .

Electrophysiologists: If you develop a very fast, very slow or irregular heart rhythm, an electrophysiologist is the specialist you need. EPs perform catheter ablations and implant electrical devices such as pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators.

Cardiac imaging specialists: These doctors use advanced imaging modalities to diagnose heart disease. These include stress tests with imaging, echocardiography and cardiac MRI and CT scans. They also treat patients with image-guided therapies.

This article originally appeared in Cleveland Clinic Heart Advisor.

Don’t Miss: What Causes Change In Blood Pressure

Should I See A Cardiologist If I Have High Blood Pressure

Throughout the day, your blood pressure can rise and fall based on your activities. But when it stays abnormally high for too long a condition called hypertension it can cause health problems, including heart damage.

Because hypertension has no symptoms, tens of millions of Americans have the condition without knowing it. Nearly half of American adults have hypertension which is indicated by a systolic blood pressure of 130 or greater mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure of 80 or more mm Hg or are taking medication for hypertension, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .