Take Control of Your Heart Health: Managing High Blood Pressure with Your Primary Care Provider

Category: Cardiology, Primary Care
Posted On: Feb 14, 2025

February is Heart Month, a time to focus on cardiovascular health and the steps you can take to protect your heart. One of the most important aspects of heart health is managing blood pressure. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (hypertension), and many don’t even know it. The best way to know if you have high blood pressure is to have it checked by a healthcare professional.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters

High blood pressure is often called a “silent killer" because it typically has no symptoms. Without treatment, it can quietly damage your arteries and increase your risk of serious health problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney failure.

According to the American Heart Association, when blood pressure remains high for too long, it can cause tiny tears in the walls of blood vessels. As the body attempts to repair these areas, cholesterol and fat can accumulate, forming plaque that narrows arteries. This narrowing restricts blood flow and further raises blood pressure, creating a dangerous cycle.

The Role of a Primary Care Provider

Shane Elliott, DO, at Norman Regional Primary Care – East Moore, frequently sees patients who are unaware they have high blood pressure.

"What I see a lot of the time for new patients is they aren't aware that they even have high blood pressure," Dr. Elliott said. "One of the first things we do when they come to the doctor is check their blood pressure as part of their vital signs. If it's elevated, we take care of it. If it's just right, we try to keep it there."

Regular visits to a primary care provider can help catch high blood pressure early before it leads to severe health complications. "A lot of times, the people who choose not to see their physician regularly are the ones who have uncontrolled high blood pressure, who end up in the emergency department, unfortunately, suffering either things like strokes or heart attacks," Dr. Elliott said. "Don’t let this be you. Take care of yourself. See your primary care provider regularly to keep things like this from happening."

Managing High Blood Pressure

If you're diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will help create a personalized treatment plan. "Some of the ways we can help someone with high blood pressure are to hopefully not just give them a pill, but encourage lifestyle management," Dr. Elliott said.

Simple changes can have a big impact on blood pressure, including:

Portion control – Eating a balanced diet with reduced sodium and processed foods.
Regular physical activity – Walking your dog, playing with your kids, or any activity that keeps you moving.
Weight management – Even small amounts of weight loss can lower blood pressure.

"If that doesn't work, then there are medications that we can prescribe," Dr. Elliott said. The key is working with your primary care provider to find the best plan for you.

Emergency Care for Heart Attacks and Strokes

If high blood pressure goes unchecked, it can lead to serious emergencies like heart attacks and strokes. When that happens, every second counts. Norman Regional Hospital provides comprehensive heart and stroke care, ensuring you receive the most effective treatment as quickly as possible.

Norman Regional offers a full continuum of cardiovascular care with an award-winning team of cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, rehabilitation specialists and support groups.

When a Heart Attack Happens, Minutes Matter. At Norman Regional Hospital, we provide emergency heart care, as well as preventive services like heart scans. Research shows that 85% of sudden heart attacks could be prevented through early diagnosis and treatment.

Schedule a $50 Heart Scan today.

Take the First Step

Your heart health starts with awareness and action. If you haven’t had your blood pressure checked recently, make an appointment with a Norman Regional primary care provider today! High blood pressure is manageable, but only if you know you have it. This Heart Month, take charge of your health and make your heart a priority!