9 Questions to Ask Your Cardiologist About Hypertension
By Scarlett Jewell
Having an open and honest relationship with your cardiologist is vital when diagnosed with hypertension. To get the most out of your doctor visit, it is essential to ask the right questions.
What are the causes of my hypertension?
According to The Mayo Clinic, there are two types of hypertension: primary, often called essential hypertension, and secondary hypertension. Essential hypertension has no known cause and is the most common type of hypertension and often increases the risk of heart disease.
Secondary Hypertension has known causes, including:
Some medications, like cough medicines
Adrenal gland tumors
Congenital heart defects
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Illegal drugs like amphetamines and cocaine
Kidney disease
How can I control my hypertension?
Hypertension can be controlled with medications prescribed by your primary care provider (PCP) or cardiologist. Besides medications, other interventions include eating a healthy diet low in salt and fat, exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated.
What medications are available to treat my hypertension?
Medications to treat hypertension have different actions inside your body to lower your blood pressure. Your doctor will prescribe medication depending on gender, ethnicity, and overall health condition.
These classes of medication include:
Diuretics
Beta Blockers
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
Alpha-blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Renin-inhibitors
Many times your doctor will start you on one medication. If it’s ineffective or only lowers your blood pressure minimally, another is added. Sometimes you may experience side effects and will need a different class of antihypertensive. For instance, ACE inhibitors often cause mild side effects like a dry cough. A more severe side effect of an ACE inhibitor is angioedema. This causes swelling of the face or lip, and possibly the airway. If you experience this side effect you need emergency intervention.
What if I stop taking the blood pressure medication?
It’s important to keep taking your medication. Prolonged high blood pressure can cause severe complications including:
Stroke
Heart attack
Heart failure
Kidney damage
Vision loss
Memory loss
Any time you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or substantial weight gain in a short period, call your doctor right away.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
Take your blood pressure every day, especially if you are starting a new medication or if the dose changes. If your blood pressure is well controlled after a few weeks and the new medication or dose doesn’t cause a significant fluctuation from the norm, you can go to once a week.
Are there any alternative treatments available for hypertension?
Besides lifestyle changes like losing weight, a heart-healthy diet, and exercise, there are alternative treatments that can help, including:
Deep breathing
Yoga and meditation
Reducing stress
Herbal supplements
Acupuncture
Speak to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine or taking herbal supplements. Your doctor can assess your fitness level and the appropriate level of exercise to start. Additionally, over-the-counter supplements can interact with prescription medication and make them less effective or increase the concentration in your blood to dangerous levels.
How are heart failure and hypertension-related?
High blood pressure increases the heart's workload over time by narrowing arteries and making it more difficult for the heart to pump blood. Remember, the heart is a muscle; when it works too hard, it becomes bigger but not necessarily stronger. As the heart enlarges and its workload increases, the muscles become stretched and weak. In other words, heart failure.
How does treatment differ if my blood pressure is high at night?
A recent study showed that “During 2-year to 7-year follow-ups of the participants, researchers said they found those who had nighttime systolic blood pressure that was 20 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) above their daytime systolic reading were significantly more likely to experience atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and heart failure.”
The article also states that blood pressure readings from the nighttime are more representative of a person’s circulatory health. Regular sleeping patterns and lower salt intake can contribute to lowered nighttime blood pressure readings.
What are the symptoms of hypertension?
Many people do not have any symptoms; in fact, some go years without any symptoms. This can be true even if your blood pressure is extremely high. However, the top symptoms of severe hypertension are:
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Nose bleeds
When it comes to hypertension, it's crucial to equip yourself with the necessary information and resources to manage it. Asking the right questions is the first step towards gaining control of your health. To ensure you receive the best treatment for your particular circumstances, consult your cardiologist and ask these questions about your hypertension. It can help you understand and manage your condition, ultimately leading to a healthier life.
Scarlett Jewell is a talented freelance medical writer who crafts compelling and engaging content. She specializes in everything from short blog posts to comprehensive e-books and white papers. She has solid expertise on topics ranging from cardiology to pharmacology, and her passion for helping people understand medical conditions has made her a sought-after writer. She also has experience as a Registered Nurse. Her nursing experience helps her craft excellent copy. Scarlett Jewell is sure to provide you with the medical content you need. Browse her portfolio and LinkedIn Profile at the following links: https://scarlettjewell.contently.com/ and http://www.linkedin.com/in/scarlett-jewell-medicalwriter.