Best Hypertension Doctors in Kolkata

Hypertension is a chronic medical condition comprising consistently high blood pressure (HBP) in the arteries. The root cause behind hypertension is a complex interplay of various environmental factors, pathophysiological aspects and a patient's genetic predisposition. While genetic predispositions can increase an individual's risk, other causal factors like a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, high sodium intake and excessive alcohol consumption play their parts too.

In Kolkata, hypertension is a prevalent health concern. Doctors specialising in high blood pressure treatment note that the city's rapid urbanisation and changing lifestyles have contributed to a rise in cases. With experienced doctors for prehypertension treatment available at Apollo Hospitals, managing HBP has become more streamlined.

Types/Stages of Hypertension

Hypertension can be categorised into several types and stages depending on the blood pressure readings and underlying causes. There are various stages of hypertension ranging from normal blood pressure to a hypertensive crisis, identified by different systolic and diastolic pressures:

• Primary (Essential) Hypertension: This is the most prevalent type comprising most cases. It stems from several factors like genetic predisposition and lifestyle habits.

• Secondary Hypertension: A result of an identifiable underlying condition, secondary hypertension accounts for fewer cases and is common in younger individuals.

• Resistant Hypertension: This type is challenging to manage and often needs multiple medications. It is usually associated with secondary hypertension and could be due to an unidentified underlying condition.

• Malignant Hypertension: Extremely severe in nature, this type requires immediate medical attention due to high blood pressure readings and potential organ damage.

Symptoms of Hypertension

Hypertension often remains symptomless in the initial stages. However, if left untreated, it may lead to:

• Chest Pain

• Shortness of breath

• Back Pain

• Numbness or weakness

• Confusion

• Vision changes

• Difficulty speaking

Tests to Diagnose Hypertension

To diagnose hypertension, doctors use various tests such as:

• Blood Pressure Measurement: The primary mode of diagnosis involves a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure.

• Ambulatory Monitoring: A longer test done over 6-24 hours for regular blood pressure checks.

• Lab Tests: Blood and urine tests to check for conditions that could cause or worsen high blood pressure.

• Imaging Tests: Techniques like ECG and Echocardiogram to detect hypertension-related complications.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Hypertension at Apollo Hospitals in Kolkata

At Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, our team of high blood pressure treatment doctors offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient requirements.

• Lifestyle modifications: Includes dietary changes, regular exercise, weight management and stress management.

• Medication: Depending on the patient's condition, medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors or ARBs might be prescribed.

• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical interventions such as renal artery stenting or adrenalectomy might be considered.