Hypertension Specialist

Hypertension is a chronic disease that develops without causing symptoms and puts you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. At Heart, Artery, and Vein Center in Fresno and Madera, California, board-certified cardiovascular disease physician Sanjay Srivatsa, MD, and the team provide expert care for health conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including hypertension. To schedule a hypertension consultation, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a chronic disease in which the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels is routinely too high. The excess force causes the blood vessels to narrow and stiffen, so the heart must pump harder to move blood through.

You can’t feel high blood pressure, and you can have it and not know. Your cardiovascular disease specialist can check your blood pressure at your annual physical exam to monitor for hypertension. 

When left undiagnosed and untreated, hypertension damages your heart and blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure also puts you at risk of developing heart failure.

What are the types of hypertension?

There are two types of hypertension: primary and secondary hypertension.

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension is a type of high blood pressure that develops from aging and unhealthy lifestyle habits like the use of tobacco products and lack of physical activity. This is the most common type. 

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension is caused by some other medical condition such as kidney disease or sleep apnea.

What can I expect during a hypertension evaluation?

You can expect a comprehensive evaluation from the team at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center when you come in looking for help for your hypertension. They take comprehensive approach to healing, focusing on your whole health, not just your symptoms or disease.

During your evaluation, the team reviews your medical history asks about lifestyle habits like usual diet, physical activity, and tobacco use. They also perform a physical exam and run diagnostic tests to screen for health complications related to your high blood pressure. 

Testing might include blood work to assess kidney health or an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart health.

What are my treatment options for hypertension?

The Heart, Artery, and Vein Center team customizes your hypertension treatment plan based on the severity of your blood pressure numbers, your medical history, and health-related complications. 

Treatment options for hypertension include:

• Nutrition therapy
• Weight management
• Regular physical activity
• Smoking cessation
• Stress management
• Medication to lower blood pressure

The goal of your hypertension treatment plan is to improve your numbers and reduce your risk of complications. The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your health and adjust your plan as needed.

For a more personalized approach to your hypertension, call Heart, Artery, and Vein Center or book an appointment online today.