Hypertension Services

Hypertension is a heart condition that causes your blood pressure to be too high.

If untreated, high blood pressure can:

• Increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Damage your kidneys.
• Lead to heart failure.

UPMC specialists provide expert care for people who have high blood pressure that does not respond to other treatments, changes frequently, or is challenging to manage due to other health conditions.

What Is Hypertension?

Blood pressure is the force that your heart's pumping exerts on your blood vessels. The pressure allows your blood to flow throughout your body. Hypertension happens when your blood pressure is too high.

What conditions do you treat?

Most people can control their hypertension through lifestyle improvements and medications prescribed by their primary care provider.

The team at UPMC is here for you if you have:

• Severe or hard-to-treat hypertension.
• Other health problems that make treating high blood pressure more complex or important.
• Blood pressure frequently changes, especially upon standing.

What Hypertension Services Do You Offer?

When you choose UPMC for hypertension care, you will have access to:

• Blood pressure tests, exams, and care all at one place.
• A team of experts who will work with your primary care provider to deliver ongoing care.
• The latest hypertension research and clinical trials.

What Can I Expect From Hypertension Services?

Our hypertension experts will create a comprehensive plan to manage your condition and reduce your risk of complications.

Before your visit

To prepare for your visit, you will be asked to provide:

• Name, address, and contact phone number.
• Insurance information.
• Relevant medical records and test results.
• A referral, if required by your health insurance company.

If you get a referral from your primary care doctor or another physician, they may be able to provide your test results and medical records to our team.

During your visit

When you first visit our clinic, please bring your home blood pressure monitor so we can check its accuracy.

During your visit, you'll:

• Have medical testing so we can learn about your blood pressure and heart health.
• See experts from our cardiology team.
• Meet with a registered dietitian who will recommend heart-healthy dietary changes to help control your blood pressure.
• Talk with a pharmacist to make sure you're on the proper blood pressure medicines.

Then our team will design a treatment plan to help control your blood pressure.

After your treatment for hypertension

After your first appointment in the office, follow-ups are either virtual or in-person.

You should contact our office if:

• You have questions about your treatment plan or medications.
• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve as expected.
• You have any other concerns about your condition.

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By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.