Houston Cardiovascular Associates Houston Cardiovascular Associates

Hypertension Specialists in Houston, TX

A very common condition, hypertension, or high blood pressure, is when the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. Because blood pressure is a measure of how much blood your heart pumps and how resistant your arteries are to blood flow, narrow arteries generally means high blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause a great deal of health problems including heart disease.

For more information about hypertension, contact Houston Cardiovascular Associates at (713) 790-9125 to schedule your appointment today.

Types of Hypertension

While high blood pressure is often grouped into one general category, there are actually two categories:

Primary Hypertension

Primary hypertension is when there is no direct cause. This type most commonly occurs in adults, and develops over the course of a number of years.

Secondary Hypertension

Secondary hypertension occurs when there is an existing condition or direct cause. This type will appear suddenly and will cause a much higher blood pressure than primary hypertension. Conditions such as sleep apnea, thyroid problems, and kidney issues as well as alcohol or drug abuse can lead to secondary hypertension.

Causes of High Blood Pressure

Because high blood pressure is so common, there are a number of different causes. Many of the most common include:

  • Obesity
  • A high sodium diet.
  • Alcohol or tobacco abuse.
  • Old age.
  • High stress.
  • Chronic conditions or a family history of high blood pressure.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Lack of physical activity.

Diagnosis

In order to properly diagnose high blood pressure, a healthcare professional will measure your blood pressure using a gauge that goes around your arm. This gauge will measure both systolic pressure, the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats, and diastolic pressure, or the pressure between beats.

The following gives an idea of what your blood pressure levels indicate:

Normal Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120 / Diastolic: 80

Elevated Blood Pressure
Systolic: 120-129 / Diastolic: Below 80

Stage 1 Hypertension
Systolic: 130-199 / Diastolic: 80-89

Stage 2 Hypertension
Systolic: 140 / Diastolic: 90

In addition to a blood pressure test, your doctor may suggest further monitoring, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, or tests such as a urinalysis, blood test, or cholesterol test.

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe you a number of various medications. Some of the most common types may include:

  • Diuretics
  • Beta Blockers
  • Renin Inhibitors
  • Angiotensin-converting and receptor blockers
  • Alpha and alpha-beta blockers

In addition, there are a number of lifestyle changes that you will be asked to make to treat your hypertension. These may include:

  • Decreasing sodium in your diet
  • Ceasing smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
  • Losing weight
  • Creating consistent exercise plans
  • Practicing relaxation and breathing
  • Eating healthy foods

If you are experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure, or would like to discuss options to prevent them, contact Houston Cardiovascular Associates at (713) 790-9125 today.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates
6550 Fannin St.
Smith Tower, Suite 1901
Houston, TX 77030

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary