Hypertension Specialist
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Shah Medical Center
Internal Medicine located in Elgin, IL
Nearly half of American adults have hypertension – although many of them don’t even know it. At Shah Medical Center, Heena Shyamani, MD, and the medical team offer on-site blood pressure testing and comprehensive treatments to help you manage chronic hypertension. They also focus on prevention strategies to reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and heart disease. To schedule a hypertension screening, call the office in Elgin, Illinois, or book a consultation online today.
Hypertension Q&A
What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a condition that describes high blood pressure. If your blood pressure remains too high for too long, it can lead to damage in your arteries and increase your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
There are two types of hypertension – primary hypertension and secondary hypertension.
Primary hypertension
Primary hypertension describes high blood pressure that develops for no identifiable reason. Blood pressure levels tend to rise gradually over many years.
Secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension describes high blood pressure that results from underlying health issues, such as heart defects, obstructive sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders.
You can also develop secondary hypertension if you take birth control pills, over-the-counter cold medications, or use illegal drugs. A poor diet, lack of exercise, and obesity can also lead to secondary hypertension.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Hypertension typically doesn’t cause symptoms until your blood pressure levels get really high. For this reason, the condition is known as a silent killer.
If you have risk factors for high blood pressure, you should schedule routine blood pressure screenings with the team at Shah Medical Center even if you don’t have symptoms.
You should also schedule a diagnostic evaluation if your blood pressure gets too high and you experience symptoms like:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nosebleeds
- Shortness of breath
Hypertension screenings are noninvasive. The team uses a blood pressure cuff that measures the force of your blood against your artery walls.
Shah Medical Center also offers on-site echocardiograms and electrocardiograms (EKGs) to evaluate your heart. These tests help determine if hypertension is causing heart disease or other complications.
How is hypertension treated?
To prevent hypertension from progressing into heart disease, the team at Shah Medical Center may initially recommend lifestyle changes and dietary improvements that help lower your blood pressure naturally. This may involve:
- Losing weight
- Exercising daily
- Eating a low-salt, low-fat diet
- Limiting alcohol use
- Quitting smoking
If these changes aren’t enough to lower your blood pressure, you may need medication to help your body eliminate sodium and excess fluids from your body. Medications to relax your blood vessels are also available to help improve your blood circulation.
The team continues to monitor your blood pressure during routine follow-up visits. They may also teach you how to measure your blood pressure regularly at home.
If you need help managing hypertension, call Shah Medical Center to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online today.
