High Blood Pressure Treatment Specialist

What is high blood pressure?

High blood pressure, which may also be called hypertension, occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of the blood vessels is too high. In general, blood pressure should be no more than 120/80 mm Hg. However, Dr. Calonje may not treat high blood pressure until it reaches 140/90 mm Hg.

What causes high blood pressure?

A patient’s blood pressure depends on the amount of blood the heart pumps, as well as the resistance to blood flow within the arteries. Increased blood flow and narrow arteries can both lead to high blood pressure.

Most people with high blood pressure develop the condition gradually over many years. However, others may develop high blood pressure as a complication of another condition, such as a tumor on the adrenal gland or sleep apnea.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

Some patients with high blood pressure may not experience any symptoms, especially if the condition is mild or moderate. However, people with very high blood pressure may notice headaches, nosebleeds, and/or shortness of breath.

What are the complications of high blood pressure?

If a patient with high blood pressure doesn’t receive treatment, they may experience serious complications. Patients with high blood pressure are at an increased risk of:

• Heart failure
• Aneurysm
• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Weakened blood vessels in the kidneys
• Cognitive problems

How does Dr. Calonje diagnose high blood pressure?

The staff at South Florida Sports Medicine and Primary Care take a patient’s blood pressure routinely at each appointment. If a patient’s blood pressure is too high, Dr. Calonje may recommend more monitoring. If the patient’s blood pressure remains high without a clear cause, he may recommend treatment.

How does Dr. Calonje treat high blood pressure?

When high blood pressure is mild, Dr. Calonje will recommend lifestyle changes to the patient. Examples include regular exercise, weight loss, and a healthier diet with a lower salt intake. He will also encourage patients who smoke to quit.

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough to bring down high blood pressure, Dr. Calonje may prescribe medications. Common medications used to treat high blood pressure include diuretics, beta blockers, and calcium channel blockers.