Hypertension
High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most common and preventable causes of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. It often develops silently over many years, but with early detection and consistent management, most people can keep it under control and live healthy, active lives.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our cardiologists provide individualized plans combining lifestyle changes and medication management, with regular monitoring to maintain safe and stable blood pressure.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Hypertension rarely causes symptoms; many patients discover it during a routine check-up or screening. Occasionally, people experience headaches, blurred vision, or dizziness, especially when blood pressure is very high.
An evaluation includes:
- A thorough review of a person’s medical history and a detailed physical exam
- Accurate blood pressure measurement over multiple visits
- Blood and urine tests to assess kidney function, blood sugar, and cholesterol
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) or echocardiogram if heart strain is suspected
- Screening for secondary causes, such as kidney artery narrowing or hormonal disorders, if blood pressure remains resistant to treatment
Diagnosis & Classification
Hypertension is diagnosed when systolic BP ≥130 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥80 mmHg on repeated readings. Types of hypertension include:
- Essential hypertension: Most common type; no single cause
- Secondary hypertension: Due to conditions such as kidney disease or endocrine disorders
- Hypertensive urgency or emergency: This occurs when blood pressure rises rapidly and damages organs
Treatment & Management
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, your cardiologist develops a personalized hypertension treatment plan based on your unique risk factors, lifestyle, and medical history. The goal is to control blood pressure, protect your heart, and reduce the risk of complications such as stroke or heart attack.
Lifestyle Management
Lifestyle changes are the foundation of blood pressure control. Your doctor will guide you in:
- Reducing salt and processed foods to decrease fluid retention and pressure on your arteries
- Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity
- Limiting alcohol and quitting smoking to protect your heart and blood vessels
- Managing stress and improving sleep quality are key to overall cardiovascular wellness
Even modest improvements in daily habits can significantly lower blood pressure and enhance long-term heart health.
Medication Options
If lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough, your cardiologist may prescribe one or more medications to help regulate blood pressure:
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs: Relax and open blood vessels to improve blood flow
- Diuretics: Help the body eliminate excess fluid and sodium
- Calcium channel blockers: Allow arteries to relax and widen
- Beta-blockers: Reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure
Your treatment may involve a combination of these therapies for optimal results.
Monitoring & Long-Term Care
Hypertension requires lifelong monitoring to prevent complications. Patients should check their blood pressure at home, follow up with their cardiologist every 3 to 6 months, and have periodic lab tests. Maintaining blood pressure below target (usually <130/80) greatly reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.
We emphasize proactive care, regular follow-up, patient education, and coordination with primary care providers for lasting results.