High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) Care at PIH Health

Taking Care of Your Heart, Kidneys, and Overall Health

High blood pressure—also called hypertension—is when the pressure of your blood pushing against your artery walls stays too high over time. It is often called the “silent killer” because it usually does not cause symptoms but can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes, kidney damage, and vision loss.

At PIH Health, we provide advanced testing, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you manage your blood pressure and protect your health.

When High Blood Pressure Needs Extra Attention

Sometimes, high blood pressure is caused by specific conditions that require specialized care. Two common types we treat are renal artery stenosis and resistant hypertension.

What is Renal Artery Stenosis?

Renal artery stenosis happens when one or both arteries supplying blood to your kidneys become narrowed, usually due to plaque buildup. This reduces blood flow to the kidneys, which can cause high blood pressure that is hard to control and may eventually damage kidney function.

Signs to Watch For

• Blood pressure that is difficult to control despite medication
• Kidney problems without an obvious cause
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• A sudden increase in blood pressure after age 50

How We Help

• Using advanced imaging tests to find narrowed arteries
• Medication management to protect your kidneys and control blood pressure
• Minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty or stenting to open blocked arteries when needed

What is Resistant Hypertension?

If your blood pressure remains above goal even while taking three or more types of blood pressure medications (including a diuretic), you may have resistant hypertension. This often requires detailed evaluation to find hidden causes.

Common Causes

• Kidney or hormone problems
• Narrowed blood vessels, including renal artery stenosis
• Sleep apnea
• Certain medications or lifestyle factors

Our Approach

• Comprehensive testing to identify root causes
• Tailored medication plans and combination therapies
• Support for healthy lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and stress management
• Coordinated care with heart, kidney, and hormone specialists
• Advanced treatment called renal artery denervation — a minimally invasive procedure that uses targeted ultrasound energy or radiofrequency energy to suppress overactive sympathetic nerves around the kidneys that can raise blood pressure. We have access to both the latest ultrasound-based nerve ablation and radiofrequency nerve ablation technologies to safely perform this therapy and help lower your blood pressure.

Why Choose PIH Health for Your Blood Pressure Care?

• Expertise in managing complex and hard-to-control hypertension
• Access to advanced diagnostic testing to find the true cause of your high blood pressure
• Innovative treatments like ultrasound-guided renal artery denervation
• Coordinated care teams focused on your overall health
• Commitment to protecting your heart, brain, and kidneys for the long term

If you are having trouble controlling your blood pressure or have been told you might have renal artery stenosis or resistant hypertension, PIH Health is here to help. We will work with you to find the right treatment and support you in living a healthier, more active life.

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