Concierge Primary Care - Havertown, PA
Condition: High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when the pressure of the blood flowing against the artery walls is above the normal range. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood the heart pumps and the blood flow resistance in the arteries. If the heart pumps more blood than normal, and the arteries are narrower than normal, the result is high blood pressure.
Untreated high blood pressure can cause serious health problems, including heart attack, kidney failure and stroke. As a board-certified physician, Dr. Gerard Miller’s concierge medical practice is focused on providing preventative care, helping to catch early signs of high blood pressure in older adults and manage existing hypertension to prevent severe health consequences.
Dr. Miller operates the only concierge practice in Havertown and has staff at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He is available to his patients 24/7, and his one-on-one approach allows him to see every patient, every visit, building a relationship based on time and trust. Are you or your loved one ready to receive personalized hypertension care from one of the top geriatric doctors near you? Don’t wait. Schedule your first consultation with Dr. Miller today.
Hypertension Specialist
Hands-On Care for Patients With Hypertension
There are two types of high blood pressure in adult patients: primary and secondary. Primary hypertension is high blood pressure that develops gradually over the course of time, and secondary hypertension is high blood pressure that results from an underlying medical condition.
Blood pressure is commonly measured during a physical exam. An inflatable arm cuff is fit around the arm to measure the blood pressure using a pressure-measuring gauge. This gauge yields two sets of numbers. The first number is the systolic reading, the pressure when the heart is beating. The second number is the diastolic number, the pressure when the heart is resting. High blood pressure occurs when the systolic reading is at 140 or higher, and the diastolic reading is 90 or above.
Dr. Miller strongly recommends the following lifestyle changes along with the required medication:
- Losing weight
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and fat
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Exercising and staying physically active
- Quitting smoking
Hypertension that does not respond to lifestyle changes alone is often treated with medication that may include alpha blockers, vasodilators, aldosterone antagonists, and central-acting agents. Treating any underlying conditions can also help to control high blood pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical symptoms of high blood pressure?
Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. Prolonged and untreated high blood pressure may cause headaches, dizzy spells, or nosebleeds.
What are some common risk factors for high blood pressure?
Risk factors for developing high blood pressure may include:
- Family history
- Being African-American
- Increased age
- Obesity
- High sodium intake
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity or exercise
- Smoking
- Stress
Chronic conditions such as kidney problems, hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol may all increase an individual's risk of high blood pressure.
Why is it important to receive treatment for high blood pressure?
High blood pressure is a serious condition. Left untreated, hypertension may cause:
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Heart attack
- Aneurysm
- Stroke
Controlling blood pressure can reduce the risks of these complications.
How can I get started with the best hypertension doctors near me?
Dr. Miller makes it easy for patients and their families to get started with his concierge practice. Contact our office to discuss pricing options, any questions you may have, and to schedule your first appointment whenever you’re ready.