Blood Pressure Specialist: Understanding Hypertension

Introduction

A blood pressure specialist, also known as a cardiologist or a hypertension specialist, is a doctor who focuses on diagnosing and managing blood pressure disorders. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a common but serious condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and recorded with two numbers: - Systolic Pressure (the top number): The pressure when your heart beats. - Diastolic Pressure (the bottom number): The pressure when your heart rests between beats.

Hypertension: The Silent Killer

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it may not cause symptoms until severe complications arise, such as: - Heart attack - Stroke - Kidney damage - Vision loss

Causes and Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to high blood pressure, including: - Genetics (family history) - Unhealthy diet (high in salt, fats, and processed foods) - Lack of physical activity - Excessive alcohol and smoking - Chronic stress - Obesity and diabetes

Diagnosis and Treatment

A hypertension specialist will diagnose high blood pressure using: - Continuous blood pressure monitoring - Laboratory tests (to check kidney function, cholesterol, and blood sugar) - Electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiogram

Treatment includes: 1. Lifestyle Modifications: - Reducing salt intake - Eating a balanced diet (DASH diet) - Regular physical exercise - Managing stress - Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking

2. Medications:
   • Diuretics
   • ACE inhibitors
   • Beta-blockers
   • Calcium channel blockers

When to See a Specialist?

You should consult a blood pressure specialist if: - Your blood pressure is consistently above 140/90 mmHg. - You have multiple risk factors for heart disease. - Medications are not effectively controlling your blood pressure. - You experience headaches, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

Conclusion

Regular blood pressure monitoring and early management are essential to prevent cardiovascular complications. If you are diagnosed with hypertension, working with a specialist can help maintain a healthy heart and overall well-being.

Source recommendations

1. American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2024/02/05/11/43/2023-ESH-Hypertension-Guideline-Update
2. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/hyp.0000000000000065
3. https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2017/11/09/11/41/2017-Guideline-for-High-Blood-Pressure-in-Adults
4. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.121.054602
5. https://www.acc.org/latest-in-cardiology/articles/2017/11/08/11/47/mon-5pm-bp-guideline-aha-2017

2. European Society of Cardiology and European Society of Hypertension Guidelines

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Elevated-Blood-Pressure-and-Hypertension
2. https://www.ejinme.com/article/S0953-6205(24)00238-3/fulltext
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37345492/
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/39/33/3021/5079119
5. https://www.eshonline.org/