Hypertension
Our hypertension specialists are here for you. Our team of lipid and cardiovascular doctors near you are dedicated to supporting your success and ensuring that you regain your heart health and overall wellness.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. Blood pressure includes two numbers: the systolic (top) number is the pressure when the heart beats, and the diastolic (bottom) number is the pressure when the heart relaxes. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings are ≥130/80 mmHg on repeated measurements.
Hypertension is typically asymptomatic. However, over time high blood pressure damages blood vessels and organs, increasing the risk of atherosclerotic heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and chronic kidney disease.
What Are the Causes of Hypertension?
There are two main categories of Hypertension:
Primary hypertension: accounts for approximately 90-95% of cases and has no single identifiable cause. Multiple factors contribute, including genetic predisposition, high sodium intake, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, excess alcohol consumption, and stress.
Secondary hypertension: results from underlying conditions such as hormonal abnormalities, kidney disease, sleep apnea, or certain medications.
What Are the Treatments and Therapies for Hypertension?
Treatment of Hypertension involves both lifestyle modifications and pharmacologic therapy:
Lifestyle modifications: first-line for all patients and include dietary sodium restriction, enhanced potassium intake, adoption of the DASH eating pattern (which is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy), regular aerobic exercise, weight loss, and alcohol moderation or abstinence.
Pharmacologic therapy: for adults with BP ≥140/90 mmHg, medication is recommended. For those with BP ≥130/80 mmHg, medication is recommended in patients with established cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or elevated cardiovascular risk. First-line medications include thiazide-like or thiazide diuretics (e.g., chlorthalidone, hydrochlorothiazide), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) (e.g., losartan), and long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) (e.g., amlodipine).
When identified, secondary causes of hypertension should be treated as indicated.
How Can Well by Messer Help You with Hypertension?
Well by Messer can confirm a diagnosis of hypertension through in-office blood pressure measurements and home blood pressure monitoring. If a secondary cause is suspected, blood testing and imaging will be performed to diagnose the underlying cause. Based on blood pressure levels, underlying medical conditions, assessment of overall cardiovascular risk, and results of the secondary work-up, lifestyle modifications and/or medications are initiated. Our physicians, dietitians and personal trainers work together with our patients to determine the best plan for improving their blood pressure. Blood pressure is closely monitored both at home and in the office to ensure adequate control.
Meet Your Well by Messer Team
Under the leadership of top endocrinologist in New York, Dr. Caroline Messer, our caring and talented team of board-certified endocrinologists (adult and pediatric), internists, gynecologists, urologists, psychologists, plastic surgeons, dietitians, and personal trainers will be dedicated to supporting your long-term health & wellness at our locations in Manhattan, Greenwich (CT), Great Neck (Long Island) and soon to be Miami (FL)!
Patient Reviews
