top of page

HYPERTENSION (HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE) CARE

Hypertension and Kidney Health

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is one of the most important health issues worldwide.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is the most common non-communicable disease (NCD) because it affects billions of people and significantly increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney disease, and premature death.​​

What Is the 2025 Goal for Blood Pressure?

The current AHA/ACC guidelines for blood pressure advise:

​

  • Normal: Less than 120/80 mm Hg.

​​

  • Elevated: Systolic between 120-129 and diastolic less than 80.

​​

  • Stage 1: Systolic between 130-139 or diastolic between 80-89.

​​

  • Stage 2: Systolic at least 140 or diastolic at least 90 mm Hg.

​​

  • Hypertensive crisis: Systolic over 180 and/or diastolic over 120, with patients needing prompt changes in medication if there are no other indications of problems, or immediate hospitalization if there are signs of organ damage.​

Big picture:

​

  • For most adults, the goal is to keep blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg.

​​

  • In older adults or those with several health issues, the target may be a little different. What matters most is keeping your blood pressure under control to protect your heart, kidneys, brain, and other organs.

How Do We Diagnose Hypertension?

To confirm the diagnosis, blood pressure must be measured on at least two separate occasions, with at least two readings each time. A diagnosis is never based on just one measurement. Home blood pressure monitoring is essential. 

​

Key points:

​

  • Use a validated blood pressure monitor:

​​​

  • Avoid relying on drugstore devices that claim "FDA approval" - many are not validated for accuracy.

​​

  • Check your Blood Pressure at home. Do not rely solely on office blood pressure checks.

​

  • You and your doctor work as a team to diagnose and manage high blood pressure.

​

how to measure blood pressure at home

How Do We Check Blood Pressure At Home?

Your blood pressure needs to stay well-controlled all day, every day.

 

  • Check morning (before meds) and evening

​​

  • Do this for 3–5 days in a row

​​

  • Write your numbers down and bring them to your doctor

​​

  • Use a good-quality cuff and follow the correct steps - accurate readings are the only way your doctor can safely adjust your medicines

​​

  • Check out the proper technique of measuring blood pressure at home

What Tests Are Done for Hypertension?

At the minimum, an evaluation includes:

​

  • Basic blood work: kidney function, electrolytes, cholesterol, blood sugar.

​​

  • Urine test: to check for protein (a marker of kidney damage).

​​

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG): to assess heart strain.

​​

Doctors also consider:

​

  • Primary vs. secondary hypertension – Is it due to lifestyle/age (primary) or another condition (secondary, such as kidney disease or hormonal causes)?

​​

  • Other cardiovascular risk factors – Diabetes, smoking, obesity, high cholesterol.

​​

  • Existing target organ damage – Heart disease, kidney disease, eye changes, or vascular disease.

tests for blood pressure

Lifestyle Measures to Reduce Blood Pressure

The most effective lifestyle change, according to the AHA/ACC, is adopting the DASH Diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).

​

The DASH Diet
Lifestyle Measures to Lower Blood Pressure

What Are the Goals of Treating Hypertension?

When we treat elevated blood pressure, our goals are to:

​

  • Achieve target blood pressure (<130/80 mmHg).

​​

  • Prevent new or worsening target organ damage, including heart disease, kidney failure, stroke, and vision loss.

What Is the Best Medication for High Blood Pressure?

There is no single “best” drug for everyone.

 

The best blood pressure medication is:

​

  • The one that works effectively for you.​

​​

  • The one with the least side effects.

​​

Common first-line options include:

​

  • Thiazide diuretics

​​

  • ACE inhibitors or ARBs

​​

  • Calcium channel blockers

Meds for blood pressure

Take Control of Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is preventable and treatable. With the right lifestyle changes, monitoring, and medical care, you can protect your heart, kidneys, and overall health.

​

Ready to take the next step? Schedule a consultation today with our hypertension specialist. Contact Hypertension and Kidney Health today at (610) 510-7152.

​​

We are serving patients across the Main Line and surrounding areas, including King of Prussia, Devon, Wayne, Paoli, Malvern, and West Chester, PA.

bottom of page