Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, increases the risk of having a heart attack. Parham Parto, MD, MPH, FACC, is an interventional cardiologist and board-certified cardiovascular physician at Parto Heart & Vascular in Los Angeles and Newport Beach, California, who takes a proactive approach to heart health. He helps you manage your hypertension to prevent heart disease or slow down disease progression. Call the office today or book an appointment online to learn more about hypertension management at Parto Heart & Vascular.

What does it mean to have hypertension?

Hypertension, also called high blood pressure, is a chronic disease in which the force of blood against the walls of the blood vessels is too high for too long. Your blood pressure measurement checks pressure when the heart is contracting (upper number) and relaxing (lower number).

When the force of blood is too high, it damages the walls of the blood vessel, causing them to stiffen and narrow. The changes in the structure of your blood vessels means your heart has to pump harder to circulate blood throughout your body.

Having high blood pressure increases the risk of life-threatening complications like a heart attack or stroke.

My blood pressure fluctuates. How do I know if I have hypertension?

It’s normal for your blood pressure to change throughout the day. Activity and emotions affect your blood pressure. Hypertension doesn’t cause symptoms, and only a health professional can diagnose the chronic health condition. 

Your primary care provider checks your blood pressure at every health visit. 

One higher-than-normal blood pressure reading doesn’t mean you have hypertension. Your provider may only diagnose you with high blood pressure if you have higher-than-normal blood pressure readings on three different visits. 

When should I schedule a hypertension consultation?

You should schedule a hypertension consultation at Parto Heart & Vascular if you want to improve your blood pressure and lower your risk of complications. 

Dr. Parto is a board-certified internal medicine and cardiovascular physician. He uses advanced technology to perform cardiovascular risk assessments and develop effective approaches to manage heart disease risk factors like hypertension.

Testing may include cardiac imaging to check for early signs of coronary artery disease (CAD), a potential complication of high blood pressure. Dr. Parto may also suggest cardiovascular genetic testing.

What can I do to improve my hypertension?

Dr. Parto creates a personalized hypertension treatment plan following your evaluation. He may recommend lifestyle changes and medication therapy to improve your hypertension. He also provides heart-health education and makes referrals to cardiovascular rehabilitation programs when necessary.

Hypertension is with you for life, but you can improve your blood pressure numbers and reduce your risk of health complications. For a personalized approach, call Parto Heart & Vascular today or book an appointment online.