Trusted Hypertension Treatment & Blood Pressure Management in Western New York
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure. Live Healthier. Your Hypertension Experts in WNY.
At SOM Medical Practice in Western New York, we understand that high blood pressure can be a silent threat to your health, often developing without noticeable symptoms. We are committed to providing comprehensive hypertension treatment and blood pressure management to communities across Niagara Falls, Lockport, Olean, and Depew.
Our experienced hypertension specialists and healthcare team are here to help you take control of your blood pressure and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Understanding Hypertension
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic medical condition where the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. This condition affects millions of Americans and is often called the "silent killer" because it typically develops without noticeable symptoms, yet significantly increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and other serious health complications.
Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) and recorded as two numbers: systolic pressure (the top number, measuring pressure when your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (the bottom number, measuring pressure when your heart rests between beats). According to the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, hypertension is generally defined as blood pressure readings of 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
When to Seek Immediate Care for Hypertension
If you experience any of the following symptoms, especially if they are severe or worsen rapidly, seek immediate medical attention at one of our locations:
- Severe chest pain or pressure
- Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Severe headache with confusion or vision changes
- Numbness or weakness in arms, legs, or face
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
Blood Pressure Categories
Normal Blood Pressure
Less than 120/80 mm Hg
Optimal blood pressure that indicates good cardiovascular health. evaluation.
Stage 1 Hypertension
130-139/80-89 mm Hg
Mild hypertension that requires lifestyle changes and possibly medication.
Elevated Blood Pressure
120-129 systolic, less than 80 diastolic
Warning stage that may progress to hypertension without intervention.
Stage 2 Hypertension
140/90 mm Hg or higher
More severe hypertension requiring immediate medical attention and treatment.
Types of Hypertension
Hypertension Symptoms: The Silent Nature of High Blood Pressure
One of the most dangerous aspects of hypertension is that most people experience no symptoms, even when blood pressure readings reach dangerously high levels. You can have high blood pressure for years without any noticeable signs, which is why regular blood pressure monitoring is crucial for early detection and prevention of complications.
However, some individuals with severely elevated blood pressure may experience:
Headaches : Persistent or severe headaches, particularly in the morning, may indicate very high blood pressure.
Shortness of Breath : Difficulty breathing or feeling winded during normal activities can be a sign of hypertension affecting the heart.
Nosebleeds : Frequent or severe nosebleeds may occur with extremely high blood pressure, though this is not common.
Chest Pain : Chest discomfort or pain may indicate that high blood pressure is affecting the heart muscle.
Vision Changes : Blurred vision or other visual disturbances can occur when hypertension affects blood vessels in the eyes.
Fatigue : Unusual tiredness or weakness may develop as the heart works harder to pump blood through narrowed arteries.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Hypertension Treatment
At Som Medical Practice, our approach to hypertension treatment is patient-centered, evidence-based, and designed for long-term success. Our experienced hypertension specialists across Western New York focus on accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive support to help you achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
We understand that effective hypertension management requires more than just prescribing medication. Our holistic approach combines the latest medical treatments with lifestyle counseling, ongoing monitoring, and patient education to ensure you have all the tools necessary for successful blood pressure control.
Personalized Medication Management
Our healthcare providers carefully select the most appropriate hypertension medications based on your specific blood pressure readings, overall health status, age, and any other medical conditions you may have. We understand that finding the right medication or combination of medications can take time, and we work closely with you to monitor effectiveness and adjust dosages as needed.
Common Hypertension Medications We Prescribe:
- ACE Inhibitors: Help relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of chemicals that narrow arteries
- ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers): Block the action of chemicals that cause blood vessel constriction
- Calcium Channel Blockers: Relax blood vessel muscles and may slow heart rate
- Diuretics: Help remove excess sodium and water from the body
- Beta Blockers: Reduce heart workload and help blood vessels widen
Lifestyle Modification Counseling
Lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense against hypertension and can be highly effective in reducing blood pressure naturally. Our healthcare team provides comprehensive guidance on heart-healthy lifestyle modifications that can significantly impact your blood pressure control.
Key Lifestyle Interventions:
- DASH Diet Implementation: Guidance on following the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan
- Sodium Reduction: Strategies for limiting salt intake to 1,500mg per day or less
- Weight Management: Personalized plans for achieving and maintaining healthy weight
- Exercise Programs: Safe, effective physical activity recommendations
- Stress Management: Techniques for reducing emotional and physical stress
- Sleep Optimization: Strategies for improving sleep quality and duration
Advanced Blood Pressure Monitoring
Accurate blood pressure measurement is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment monitoring. We utilize state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure precise readings and may recommend home blood pressure monitoring to get a complete picture of your blood pressure patterns.
Monitoring Services Include:
- In-Office Measurements: Professional blood pressure checks using calibrated equipment
- 24-Hour Ambulatory Monitoring: Continuous monitoring to detect blood pressure variations
- Home Monitoring Training: Education on proper self-monitoring techniques
- White Coat Hypertension Assessment: Identifying anxiety-related blood pressure elevations
Comprehensive Health Assessment
Hypertension often occurs alongside other health conditions, and effective treatment requires addressing your overall health picture. We conduct thorough evaluations to identify and manage related conditions that may impact your blood pressure control.
Assessment Components:
- Cardiovascular Risk Evaluation: Assessment of heart disease and stroke risk factors
- Kidney Function Testing: Monitoring for hypertension-related kidney damage
- Diabetes Screening: Evaluation for diabetes, which commonly occurs with hypertension
- Cholesterol Management: Lipid profile monitoring and treatment
- Sleep Apnea Screening: Assessment for sleep disorders that can worsen hypertension
What to Expect: Our Thorough Diagnostic Process
Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective hypertension care. At our Western New York locations, our hypertension specialists utilize a comprehensive diagnostic process to not only confirm the presence of high blood pressure but also identify its underlying causes, assess its severity, and evaluate its impact on your overall health.
Initial Consultation and Medical History
Your diagnostic journey begins with a detailed consultation where our healthcare providers conduct a thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. We understand that hypertension can be influenced by numerous factors, and this comprehensive assessment helps us develop the most effective treatment strategy for your specific situation.
During this consultation, we will discuss:
- Any symptoms you may be experiencing, even if they seem unrelated to blood pressure
- Your family history of hypertension, heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease
- Current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements
- Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and sleep patterns
- Previous blood pressure readings and any prior treatment attempts
- Other health conditions that may contribute to or complicate hypertension management
Comprehensive Physical Examination
Our experienced healthcare providers perform a thorough physical examination to assess your cardiovascular health and identify any signs of hypertension-related complications. This examination is crucial for understanding how high blood pressure may be affecting your body and helps guide our treatment recommendations.
Key Components of Our Physical Examination:
- Blood Pressure Measurement: We take multiple blood pressure readings using properly calibrated equipment and appropriate cuff sizes. Measurements are taken in both arms to check for any significant differences that might indicate vascular problems. We follow strict protocols to ensure accuracy, including having you rest for at least five minutes before measurement and avoiding caffeine or exercise beforehand.
- Cardiovascular Assessment: Our providers carefully listen to your heart for irregular rhythms, murmurs, or other abnormal sounds that might indicate heart problems related to hypertension. We also check your pulse rate and rhythm, and examine your neck for signs of enlarged blood vessels or thyroid abnormalities.
- Pulmonary Evaluation: We listen to your lungs for any abnormal sounds such as crackling or wheezing that might indicate fluid buildup or other complications related to high blood pressure affecting the heart's ability to pump effectively.
- Neurological Screening: A basic neurological examination helps us assess whether hypertension has affected your nervous system. This includes checking your reflexes, coordination, and cognitive function.
- Vascular Examination: We examine your peripheral circulation by checking pulses in your arms and legs, looking for signs of peripheral artery disease that often accompanies hypertension.
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
Depending on your initial assessment, we may recommend additional diagnostic tests to better understand your condition and rule out secondary causes of hypertension. These tests help us develop the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your specific situation.
Laboratory Tests
- Comprehensive Blood Panel: We typically order blood tests to check for conditions that may contribute to hypertension or be affected by it. This includes kidney function tests (creatinine and blood urea nitrogen), electrolyte levels (sodium, potassium, chloride), blood glucose levels to screen for diabetes, and lipid profiles to assess cardiovascular risk.
- Thyroid Function Tests: Since thyroid disorders can cause or worsen hypertension, we may test your thyroid hormone levels, particularly if you have symptoms suggesting thyroid dysfunction.
- Urinalysis: A urine test can reveal signs of kidney damage from hypertension and help identify certain causes of secondary hypertension.
Cardiovascular Imaging
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): This simple, non-invasive test records your heart's electrical activity and can detect signs of heart enlargement, irregular rhythms, or previous heart damage that may be related to long-standing hypertension.
- Echocardiogram: If indicated, we may recommend an ultrasound of your heart to assess heart muscle function, valve function, and detect any structural abnormalities that might be contributing to or resulting from hypertension.
Specialized Monitoring
- 24-Hour Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: For some patients, we recommend wearing a portable blood pressure monitor for 24 hours to get a complete picture of blood pressure patterns throughout the day and night. This is particularly useful for detecting "white coat hypertension" (elevated blood pressure only in medical settings) or "masked hypertension" (normal blood pressure in the office but elevated at home).
- Home Blood Pressure Monitoring: We often recommend that patients monitor their blood pressure at home using validated devices. We provide training on proper technique and help you establish a monitoring schedule that provides valuable information about your blood pressure control.
Risk Stratification and Treatment Planning
After completing our comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, we assess your overall cardiovascular risk and develop a personalized treatment plan. This involves considering not just your blood pressure readings, but also other risk factors such as age, gender, smoking status, diabetes, cholesterol levels, and family history.
- We use established guidelines from organizations such as the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology to determine your target blood pressure goals and the most appropriate treatment approach. For most adults, the goal is to achieve blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg, but individual targets may vary based on age, health conditions, and other factors.
Ongoing Support & Follow-Up Care
Your hypertension management doesn't end after your first visit. At Som Medical Practice, we provide comprehensive ongoing support to ensure you achieve and maintain healthy blood pressure levels long-term.
Regular Monitoring
Scheduled follow-up appointments to track your progress and adjust treatment as needed. We also provide immediate walk-in access for any concerns between visits.
Patient Education
Learn proper home blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle modifications to support your treatment success.
Lifestyle Support
Ongoing guidance for heart-healthy diet plans, exercise programs, stress management, and sleep optimization strategies.
Specialist Coordination
When needed, we coordinate with cardiovascular specialists, endocrinologists, and other experts to ensure comprehensive care.
Don't Wait. Get Expert Hypertension Care in Western New York Today.
If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, suspect you may have high blood pressure, or need ongoing management of your blood pressure condition, don't delay seeking professional medical care. At Som Medical Practice, we offer immediate hypertension treatment and blood pressure management with no appointment necessary at our convenient Western New York locations.
Our dedicated team of hypertension specialists is ready to provide expert diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and comprehensive ongoing support to help you achieve optimal blood pressure control and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Take control of your health today. Your heart will thank you.
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Our Locations
Niagara Primary Care -
SOM Medical
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SOM Medical
3117 Military Rd, #2,
Niagara Falls, NY 14304
Call: 716-297-2052
Text: 716-257-1254
Fax: 716-215-6170
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