Health professionals who treat high blood pressure
The number of providers involved in your high blood pressure (hypertension) treatment depends on the severity of your high blood pressure and whether you have developed complications. You may need a team of both generalists and specialists to help you monitor your blood pressure and manage your treatment plan. The following table outlines the types of health professionals who may be involved in treating high blood pressure and its related complications.
Professionals who treat high blood pressure Team member
Who are they?
What is their role ?
When would you see them?
Primary care physician Internist, family physician To manage medical care Regular visits (approximately 2–4 per year) Cardiologist Heart specialist Specialty medical care for heart problems Sometimes regular visits; whenever heart failure or other heart problems flare up Other physicians Nephrologist (kidney specialist), cardiovascular surgeon (heart surgeon), neurologist (brain/nerve specialist) To provide specialty medical care for complications of hypertension Whenever complications arise Nurse educator Specific type of nurse To educate people with health conditions/help them to take control Whenever medications/diet/self-management need to be explained Registered dietitian/nutritionist Expert in diet and nutrition To help you develop and maintain an appropriate diet For help creating a blood pressure–reducing diet that works for you Exercise physiologist Expert in improving health through exercise To help you develop and maintain an appropriate exercise regimen For help creating an effective exercise regimen to lower your blood pressure Primary care physician: Your primary care physician will often be responsible for the coordination of your treatment. This includes diagnosing your condition, monitoring you for developments and complications, and working with you to develop an overall program of care, including lifestyle changes. Your primary care physician will also guide you towards specialized care if you need it. In general, you should visit your primary care physician once every several months. In addition to measuring your blood pressure at each visit, you both should review your progress with lifestyle modifications and adherence to your medication schedule. It is equally important that your primary care physician check for longer-term damage to your organs by periodically requesting laboratory tests.
Cardiologist: Your primary care physician may refer you to a cardiologist (a doctor who specializes in treating the heart) if you develop complications of high blood pressure or if your doctor believes a cardiologist's input would be helpful. Because most complications of high blood pressure affect your heart and blood vessels, a cardiologist may offer further insight into your high blood pressure and its complications. There are a range of specific situations that might make it necessary to see a cardiologist. For example, you might see a cardiologist for chest pain or for follow-up after a heart attack.
Other specialists: If you develop complications of high blood pressure, you may need to see a number of other specialists, such as:
- A nephrologist (kidney specialist), if you develop kidney disease.
- A cardiovascular surgeon, if you need heart surgery to treat coronary artery disease.
- A neurologist, if you experience a stroke or other problems that affect your nerves or brain.
- An ophthalmologist, if you develop eye problems.
Nurse educator:A nurse educator may help your primary care physician with the coordination of your care. Nurse educators usually have more time than primary care physicians to devote to your care, educate you about your condition, and make sure no aspect of treatment falls through the cracks.
Dietitian: You may want advice from a dietitian or nutritionist because your diet has a significant impact on your high blood pressure. Specifically, you will have to develop a low-sodium, low-fat meal plan. A dietitian can help you choose and maintain an appropriate and enjoyable diet.
Exercise physiologist or physical therapist: You may want assistance from an exercise physiologist or physical therapist because regular exercise can play a critical role in managing high blood pressure. An exercise physiologist can help you customize an exercise program appropriate to your individual fitness level and can also help you if you have trouble sticking to your program.
Mental health professional:Many people with chronic diseases such as high blood pressure have depression or other mental conditions. In some cases, you may have been depressed to begin with. Mental health professionals can also help you manage stress, which is important in controlling your blood pressure.
| Author: | Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: April 10, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition | |
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