Hypertension Specialist

If you’re not getting routine blood pressure checks, you may be at increased risk for developing health complications from uncontrolled hypertension. At Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute in Apple Valley, California, Sunil Patel, DO, and the experienced medical team offer preventive screenings and customized treatment plans for hypertension. Through lifestyle changes, diet improvements, and medications, you can achieve healthy blood pressure and cut your risks for heart disease and other long-term health issues. Call Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute or request an appointment online today.

Hypertension Q&A

Your blood pressure measures how much blood your heart pumps out of your body and the amount of resistance to the flow of blood is in your arteries. When you have hypertension, also called high blood pressure, the long-term force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is too high.
There are two types of hypertension:
Primary hypertensionPrimary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops without an identifiable cause. Typically, you develop this condition gradually over the years.
Secondary hypertensionIn secondary hypertension, high blood pressure results from an underlying condition such as:
● Thyroid disorder● Kidney dysfunction● Obstructive sleep apnea● Blood vessel abnormalities
You can also develop secondary hypertension from using certain over-the-counter medications, like birth control pills, decongestants, and pain relievers.
If left untreated, the high force of blood against your artery walls can lead to serious health complications, including heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

What are the symptoms of hypertension?

Hypertension is often known as a silent killer because it can exist without causing any symptoms. In fact, when you do develop symptoms like headaches and shortness of breath, damage to your blood vessels or heart may already be occurring.

For this reason, it’s important to schedule routine in-office blood pressure screenings through the adult preventive care services available at Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute. Your provider may also recommend regular blood pressure checks at home if you have existing health issues or a family history of hypertension.

How is hypertension treated?

The Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute team customizes your treatment plan to your unique needs. They initially focus on helping you make necessary lifestyle changes to reduce your blood pressure naturally. This includes:
● Limiting salt● Losing weight● Eating fresh, heart-healthy foods● Getting daily exercise● Limiting alcohol
If these changes aren’t enough to lower or control your blood pressure, you may need to take medications that help your kidneys eliminate more fluids from your body and relax your blood vessels to improve circulation.
If you have a family history of hypertension, or you need help lowering your blood pressure, call Advanced Medical and Kidney Institute or schedule a consultation online today.