Hypertension – commonly known as high blood pressure – affects millions of adults worldwide. About half the American population has hypertension. Dubbed the “silent killer,” it often shows no symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension or suspect your blood pressure is climbing, understanding hypertension treatment and its relationship with your kidneys is important.
Let’s discuss how a nephrologist can help manage this condition.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is a chronic health condition in which the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This persistent pressure can create serious health issues over time. These include including heart disease, stroke, aneurysm, and kidney problems.
Your blood pressure reading has two numbers, which are expressed as a ratio of systolic blood pressure over diastolic blood pressure. The systolic is when the heart beats, and the diastolic is when the heart rests.
Consistent readings of 130/80 mm Hg or more are considered diagnostic for high blood pressure. Most physicians desire their patients’ blood pressure to be 120/80 or lower.
Why Is Hypertension Called “The Silent Killer?”
Hypertension earns its nickname because it can damage your body quietly for years before any noticeable symptoms develop. By the time any physical signs appear – headaches, shortness of breath, or nosebleeds – serious damage already may have occurred. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure and understanding its risks are essential preventive measures.
Is Hypertension Related to Kidney Disease?
Yes, hypertension and kidney disease share a reciprocal relationship. Chronic high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and filters in the kidneys. This reduces their ability to regulate fluids, hormones, acids and salts in the body.
Conversely, kidney disease can increase your blood pressure through fluid retention and increased hormone production. This creates a dangerous cycle of escalating health issues.
What Is a Nephrologist?
A nephrologist is a highly trained physician who is an expert in diagnosing and treating kidney diseases. Often referred to as a kidney doctor, a nephrologist helps patients manage health conditions such as chronic kidney disease, electrolyte imbalances, and hypertension. This doctor has the expertise to develop personalized treatment plans, considering the delicate balance between kidney function and blood pressure control.
How Can a Kidney Doctor Help Me Manage My Hypertension?
Partnering with a nephrologist can be a game-changer in managing hypertension effectively. Here is how a kidney doctor can help you achieve that ideal blood pressure of 120/80 (or lower).
Medication Management
For many individuals, medication is vital for controlling blood pressure. A nephrologist may prescribe diuretics to help balance fluids and electrolytes. The kidney doctor may recommend beta blockers, alpha-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other medications to lower blood pressure and keep it at a safe level. For their part, patients should take their medications exactly as prescribed.
Lifestyle Modifications
Your nephrologist will work with you to implement lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy blood pressure. These may include:
- Engaging in regular exercise – at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly.
- Quitting cigarettes.
- Have no more than one alcoholic drink per day for women and two per day for men.
- Managing day-to-day stress through prayer, meditation, deep breathing, hobbies social activities and more.
- Reducing your body weight and maintaining it at a healthy level.
- Following a nutritious, balanced diet.
- Consistently getting a good night’s sleep (seven to eight hours) to combat stress, obesity, type-2 diabetes and hypertension.
Dietary Guidance
The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a popular nutrition plan that help lower blood pressure. The DASH diet features menu choices with less salt, sugar, and animal fat. It limits processed “junk” foods. Meanwhile, it emphasizes high fiber, whole grains and low-fat proteins. A nephrologist can guide you on how to incorporate the DASH diet into your everyday meals.
Routinely Monitoring Your Blood Pressure
Purchase a home blood pressure monitor at your local pharmacy. Take your blood pressure daily, track it in a journal or health app, and report changes to your kidney doctor. Your nephrologist can adjust your treatment plan based on what your blood pressure numbers are.
Hypertension Treatment in the Greater Boston Area
If you have hypertension or suspect your blood pressure is rising, do not wait to find out what is happening with your health. Contact Commonwealth Nephrology Associates for an in-office evaluation. Our board-certified nephrologists are ready to help you understand the causes of your hypertension and create a management plan just right for you.
For more information or to schedule a personalized consultation for hypertension treatment, call us today at (617) 739-2100 or use our convenient appointment request form. We have six convenient locations in the Boston area. We are committed to helping you achieve optimal kidney health and maintain healthy blood pressure.
