Hypertension

Hypertension Services Offered in Frisco, TX

Almost half of Americans aged 18 and older have hypertension (high blood pressure). Unfortunately, hypertension rarely presents symptoms, so you might be at risk and not realize it. At Signature Internal Medicine, concierge internal medicine providers Humera Ahmed, MD, and Dina Diehl, DO, provide complete care for hypertension, including medically supervised weight loss, exercise guidance, and, when necessary, prescription medication. To make an appointment, call the office in Frisco, Texas, or book online today. 

Hypertension Q & A

What is hypertension?

Hypertension is a chronic health problem characterized by high blood pressure. If the force of the blood pumping against the walls of your veins remains high for months or even years, it increases your risk of a cardiovascular event, like a heart attack or a stroke.

Doctors call hypertension the “silent killer” because it doesn’t cause obvious symptoms. Therefore, it’s vital to have your blood pressure checked at least once a year.

What are the types of hypertension?

Signature Internal Medicine treats both types of hypertension:

1)     Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension occurs slowly. Usually, it results from getting older and/or unhealthy lifestyle choices, like smoking, drinking, and living a sedentary lifestyle.

 

2)     Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension occurs suddenly and is usually due to an underlying health problem, like diabetes, thyroid disease, or kidney disease. Secondary hypertension worsens quickly, so it’s important to get it under control.

What are the risk factors for hypertension?

Several factors may increase your risk of hypertension, including:

  • Having a family history of heart disease
  • Being 55 or older
  • Being overweight
  • Eating a diet with lots of salt
  • Using tobacco products
  • You might also develop hypertension if you don’t exercise regularly.
  • Having a family history of heart disease
  • Being 55 or older
  • Being overweight
  • Eating a diet with lots of salt
  • Using tobacco products
  • You might also develop hypertension if you don’t exercise regularly.

How is hypertension diagnosed?

Signature Internal Medicine diagnoses hypertension during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your medical records and does a physical exam. Then, they check your blood pressure with an inflatable cuff and a pressure-measuring gauge. High blood pressure is measured in millimeters over mercury (mm/Hg). A reading between 120 and 129 over 80 (120/80 mm/Hg) indicates hypertension.

How is hypertension treated?

Signature Internal Medicine usually treats hypertension by recommending healthy lifestyle changes, including:

  • Maintaining your ideal weight
  • Eating a balanced diet
  • Exercising regularly
  • Taking steps to manage your stress
  • Cutting back on alcohol

If your blood pressure remains high, even after these changes, your provider might recommend prescription medication. There are many drugs that can reduce hypertension, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers.

How long does hypertension last?

If you have primary hypertension, you’ll need to monitor it for the rest of your life. If you have secondary hypertension, your blood pressure may drop significantly after Signature Internal Medicine gets the medical problem responsible for it under control.

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