Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition that affects millions of adults in the United States and is often called the “silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms. At InTouch Primary Care in Sugar Land, TX, we provide personalized care to help you manage hypertension effectively and reduce your risk of serious complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage.
Dr. Ashaye’s Philosophy on Hypertension Management
“Managing high blood pressure goes far beyond prescribing medications,” explains Dr. Adelola Ashaye, board-certified Family and Lifestyle Medicine physician. “My approach focuses on understanding each patient’s unique circumstances and empowering them with the tools they need to take control of their cardiovascular health through sustainable lifestyle changes.”
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls consistently exceeds healthy levels. Blood pressure readings consist of two numbers: systolic pressure (when your heart beats) over diastolic pressure (when your heart rests between beats).
Understanding blood pressure categories helps you recognize where your readings fall:
- Normal: 120/80 mmHg or less
- Elevated Blood Pressure: 120-129 systolic with less than 80 diastolic
- Stage 1 Hypertension: 130-139 systolic or 80-89 diastolic
- Stage 2 Hypertension: 140/90 mmHg or higher
Left uncontrolled, high blood pressure silently damages blood vessels throughout your body, increasing your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious complications.
Common Risk Factors for Hypertension
Several factors can increase your risk of developing high blood pressure, including:
Age
Risk increases as you get older.
Family History
Hypertension often runs in families.
Lifestyle
Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, and excessive alcohol use.
Chronic Conditions
Diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms
High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it typically doesn’t cause obvious symptoms until it reaches dangerous levels or causes complications. However, some patients do experience warning signs that prompt them to seek medical attention.
Common symptoms that may indicate elevated blood pressure include:
Frequent Headaches
Persistent or recurring headaches, especially in the morning
Dizziness or Lightheadedness
Feeling unsteady or faint, particularly when standing up
Vision Changes
Blurred vision or seeing spots
Chest Discomfort
Pressure or tightness in the chest area
Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing during normal activities
Fatigue
Unusual tiredness or lack of energy
Nosebleeds
Frequent or unexplained nosebleeds
Heart Palpitations
Feeling like your heart is racing or beating irregularly
Many patients visit InTouch Primary Care after discovering elevated readings during routine checkups, while others seek care when experiencing these concerning symptoms. Family history of cardiovascular disease also motivates patients to take preventive action before symptoms develop.
What to Expect During Your Blood Pressure Care
Your comprehensive evaluation begins with proper blood pressure measurement technique. Dr. Ashaye ensures accurate readings by having you rest for five minutes in a seated position with back and arm supported and legs uncrossed. Using an automated device with the correct cuff size, she takes multiple measurements to establish your baseline.
Proper monitoring is essential for effective management. You’ll learn to avoid certain activities 30 minutes before checking your blood pressure, including eating, exercising, bathing or showering, consuming coffee or alcohol, and smoking. Dr. Ashaye recommends checking your blood pressure both morning and evening over one week to obtain 12-14 reliable measurements each month.
Your personalized treatment plan emphasizes proven lifestyle modifications that can significantly lower blood pressure. Weight loss reduces blood pressure by approximately 1 mmHg for every 2 pounds lost, while regular aerobic exercise for 90-150 minutes weekly can lower readings by 5-8 mmHg. Reducing alcohol consumption and ensuring adequate sleep are equally important for cardiovascular health.
“I work closely with each patient to develop realistic dietary and lifestyle goals,” notes Dr. Ashaye. “Small, consistent changes often produce remarkable results when patients have proper guidance and support.”
Did You Know?
Hypertension is the leading cause of preventable cardiovascular deaths worldwide.
(Source: American Heart Association)
Nearly half of U.S. adults have hypertension, but only 1 in 4 have it under control.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Hypertension
While hypertension cannot typically be “cured” it can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
If you have hypertension, your doctor may recommend checking it daily or weekly at home. Regular office visits are also essential.
Eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, reducing sodium, and avoiding smoking can all help lower blood pressure.
Reducing dietary sodium to less than 1,500 mg daily (about ¾ teaspoon of salt) typically lowers blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg. Increasing potassium intake to 3,500-5,000 mg daily from foods like dark leafy greens, legumes, and berries can reduce blood pressure by approximately 4 mmHg.
Focus on whole food plant-based options, aiming for 6 vegetable and 4 fruit servings daily. Dark berries like blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries provide powerful antioxidants. Specific foods associated with lowering blood pressure include flax seed (1 teaspoon daily), celery (4 sticks daily), hibiscus tea, and fresh garlic.
Aim for 50 grams of fiber daily, with at least 28 grams as your minimum target. Gradually increase your intake to avoid digestive discomfort while supporting cardiovascular health.
Increase omega-3 fatty acids from large cold-water fish, green leafy vegetables, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds. Choose monounsaturated fats like olive oil while avoiding trans fatty acids found in hydrogenated margarine and vegetable oils.
Drink adequate amounts of pure, filtered water daily, plus 2-3 cups of naturally decaffeinated green tea. Avoid stimulants like caffeine, ephedra, and guarana that can elevate blood pressure.
Focus on reducing the top sources of saturated fat in the American diet: cheese, pizza, bakery products made with oils, ice cream, chicken, and red meat. Small reductions in these foods can make a meaningful difference.
Why Choose InTouch Primary Care for Blood Pressure Management ?
Dr. Adelola Ashaye brings a unique combination of family medicine expertise and lifestyle medicine specialization to hypertension care. As a 2024 Top Doctor in Family Medicine recognized by Houstonia Magazine, she understands that effective blood pressure management requires personalized attention and comprehensive lifestyle support.
Through the Direct Primary Care model, you receive unhurried appointments focused entirely on your health goals. Dr. Ashaye’s approach emphasizes sustainable changes you can maintain long-term, reducing your dependence on medications when possible through proven lifestyle interventions.
Comprehensive Care
From diagnosis to ongoing support, we provide personalized hypertension care tailored to your unique needs.
Convenient Access
Same or next business day appointments ensure timely care when you need it most.
Patient-Centered Approach
We empower you to take control of your health with education and personalized treatment plans.
Meet Dr. Adelola Ashaye
My interest in the medical field was first sparked when I was in high school, by my observation of a patient-doctor relationship. Many years have passed since that interaction which took place at Alpena General Hospital in Michigan; and it is the desire to build and maintain meaningful long lasting relationships that continues to draw me to medicine.
Take Control of Your Blood Pressure Today
High blood pressure doesn’t have to control your life or limit your future. With proper guidance, monitoring, and lifestyle modifications, you can achieve healthy blood pressure levels and reduce your risk of serious complications. Dr. Ashaye and the team at InTouch Primary Care are committed to supporting your journey toward optimal cardiovascular health through personalized, evidence-based care in Sugar Land and Missouri City.
Our comprehensive approach includes tailored treatment plans, lifestyle guidance, and ongoing support to ensure you achieve better overall wellness. With same-day or next-business-day appointments and direct access to your doctor, we make managing hypertension simple and convenient.
Take the first step toward a healthier future by scheduling an appointment today. Together, we’ll develop a plan to take control of your blood pressure and improve your quality of life.
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