Hypertension

The only way to know if your blood pressure levels are healthy is to schedule routine screenings. At the office of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, preventive blood pressure screenings are available to identify hypertension (high blood pressure) in the earliest stage. Dr. Singh and the cardiology team also offer customized treatment plans for people already diagnosed with hypertension to lower their risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Call the Greenville or Mesquite, Texas, office to schedule a hypertension evaluation or book an appointment online today.

What is hypertension?

Your blood pressure measures the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as it moves away from your heart. Hypertension means your blood pressure levels are consistently too high, which can lead to heart damage.

If not properly managed, hypertension can increase your risk of stroke, heart attack, and other potentially life-threatening conditions.

The office of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, offers comprehensive care for different types of hypertension, including:

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops gradually over many years, often due to a buildup of plaque on the artery walls (atherosclerosis) that interferes with healthy blood flow.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension occurs when your blood pressure levels rise due to an underlying medical issue, such as kidney disease, obstructive sleep apnea, or a thyroid disorder.

You can also develop secondary hypertension from birth control pills, over-the-counter cold medicines, and illegal drugs.

Does hypertension cause symptoms?

Unfortunately, many people have undiagnosed hypertension for years because the condition doesn’t generally cause symptoms until heart damage occurs. For this reason, you should schedule routine blood pressure screenings to identify hypertension early.

Dr. Singh and the cardiology team may also recommend more frequent screenings as you get older or if you have hypertension risk factors like:

• Obesity
• High-salt diet
• History of smoking
• Excessive stress
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of hypertension

With early intervention, you can lower your risk of heart attack and other hypertension-related complications. The team can also use in-office echocardiograms and other diagnostic technologies to check your heart for damage related to high blood pressure.

How is hypertension treated?

Your treatment plan for hypertension depends on the nature of your blood pressure levels. In the early stages, you can often lower your blood pressure naturally by eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising daily, and quitting smoking.

Dr. Singh and the cardiology team can also prescribe medications that relax your vessels to improve blood circulation or help your body eliminate excess fluids. They can also show you how to measure your blood pressure at home.

The team monitors your progress with treatment to ensure your blood pressure levels remain well-controlled.

Call the office of Dr. Sandeep Singh, MD, near you to schedule a hypertension screening or book an appointment online today.