A cardiologist specializes in diagnosing conditions related to the heart and blood vessels. They help treat and prevent various cardiovascular issues, including hypertension. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. This condition can lead to significant health complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Cardiologists use these techniques to identify and manage hypertension:
Diagnostics
Cardiologists use diagnostic tools to perform heart checkups and provide advice to keep your blood vessels healthy. Diagnostics include electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, and blood tests. These tools allow the doctor to assess the heart’s electrical activity, structure, and overall function, providing insights for diagnosing and managing hypertension. Other assessment techniques include:
Hypertension Screening
Hypertension screening can be included in regular health checkups to help detect and monitor high blood pressure. During the screening, your blood pressure is measured using a manual or digital sphygmomanometer in a clinical setting. This device consists of a cuff that is wrapped around the upper arm and inflated to restrict blood flow. As the cuff deflates, a healthcare provider listens with a stethoscope or relies on sensors to detect blood flow in the artery. If high blood pressure is detected, healthcare providers can develop or adjust your personalized management plan.
Stress testing
Cardiologists can perform stress testing to evaluate your health condition and assess how your heart handles increasing levels of activity. For the stress test, you will engage in exercise or use medication to artificially stimulate your heart. The doctor will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels throughout the test. Assessing your results can help doctors determine effective treatments to lower your blood pressure if needed.
Medications
A cardiologist may prescribe medications for hypertension based on your overall health. They may also combine different types of medicines that work together to relieve hypertension more effectively. These medications help achieve and maintain a targeted blood pressure level to reduce the risk of complications. Some blood pressure medications include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. The medicines help manage blood pressure by reducing blood vessel tension, lowering blood volume, and relaxing the heart muscle.
Dietary Recommendations
Making changes to your diet can help control high blood pressure. Cardiologists may provide diet recommendations, including the DASH diet and other heart-healthy diets. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet is a low-salt diet that provides calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients can help control blood pressure. Heart-healthy diets are low in fat and include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Cardiologists may also recommend lean protein sources, such as skinless chicken, soy, and fat-free dairy.
Lifestyle Recommendations
A cardiologist may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage hypertension. These recommendations include quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and exercising regularly to improve cardiovascular health. Weight management can reduce strain on the heart, with even moderate weight loss improving blood pressure levels.
Stress Management
Specialists provide stress management therapies to manage spikes in blood pressure. They may recommend schedule adjustments to enhance work-life balance and lower blood pressure. Some stress management techniques include meditation, relaxation exercises, and regular physical activity.
Learn More About a Cardiologist
A cardiologist performs various tests to monitor and manage high blood pressure. They also conduct annual physicals and provide customized treatments for hypertension, whether you need lifestyle modifications, medication, or a combination of both. Contact a reputable cardiologist to learn more about their services.
