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High Blood Pressure

Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC

Cardiovascular Disease Specialists & Internal Medicine located in Port Arthur, TX

Having high blood pressure often doesn’t cause any symptoms, so many patients don’t experience its effects until it’s too late. At Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC in Port Arthur, Texas, the expert cardiology team has years of experience treating high blood pressure and can help lower your risk of experiencing other complications, like having a stroke. To get expert help for lowering your blood pressure, call the office or request an appointment online today.

High Blood Pressure Q & A

What is high blood pressure?

Your blood pressure — the force of blood pushing against artery walls — goes up and down in response to changes in your body. For example, the amount of water and salt you consume, the health of your heart and arteries, and your blood volume all affect your blood pressure.

As long as these natural fluctuations stay within the normal range, they don’t cause health problems. But when your blood pressure stays too high, it leads to complications.

What causes high blood pressure?

High blood pressure can gradually develop from certain lifestyle habits or factors, such as:

  • Being overweight or obese
  • Leading a sedentary lifestyle
  • Consuming too much salt
  • Smoking cigarettes
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Ongoing daily stress


Other medical conditions can also cause high blood pressure. The interaction between underlying problems and high blood pressure often leads to serious health concerns.

What symptoms develop if I have high blood pressure?

One of the greatest dangers of having high blood pressure is that it doesn’t cause symptoms. The condition can progress to an advanced stage, and you won’t have any signs that the problem is building. 

The first symptom is often a heart attack or stroke when atherosclerosis blocks blood flow or ruptures and causes a blood clot. That’s why knowing your risks and having regular wellness checkups are so vital.

A blood pressure check is a key part of all internal medicine exams at Gulf Coast Cardiology Group PLLC. This means you can find out early that you have high blood pressure and start treatment to prevent strokes and other life-threatening medical events.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treating high blood pressure requires comprehensive care that incorporates lifestyle changes, dealing with underlying health problems, and directly treating high blood pressure with medications.

In the early stages of high blood pressure, changing lifestyle factors may be all you need to bring your blood pressure down to a normal range. Examples include losing weight, increasing exercise, and quitting smoking, if applicable. 

If lifestyle changes don’t help or your blood pressure is dangerously high, your doctor may prescribe medications.

To get help for high blood pressure, call Gulf Coast Cardiology Group or request an appointment online today.