By Simardeep Mangat, M.D.
May is National Blood Pressure Month, and it is a great time to remind people in Central New York of the importance of maintaining a healthy blood pressure. Hypertension is the term used to describe high blood pressure.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms. That is why it is sometimes called a “silent killer.” Some symptoms to watch for include headache, unexplained bloody nose and swollen ankles, but these may not always be present. This is why regular blood pressure checks are important. Hypertension is very common in patients with chronic kidney disease, and if not well controlled, can result in worsening of kidney disease. This is more likely if you also have diabetes. Hypertension can also increase the chance of heart disease. This makes controlling high blood pressure a top priority.
The treatment of hypertension not only includes taking medications, but also management of lifestyle measures, including regular exercise, healthy diet and maintaining ideal weight. Kidney disease, on the other hand, is a progressive disease, meaning that it usually does not go away unless the patient has a kidney transplant. All efforts are focused on slowing down the progression of kidney disease.
Kidney doctors like myself provide specialized care and expert medical knowledge to help control blood pressure and preserve the highest level of kidney function for as long as possible. A care plan is developed based on the patient’s current lab results and stage of kidney disease. This individualized plan includes a multidisciplinary approach comprised of medication changes, dietary education, implementing healthy lifestyle changes, hemodialysis, and management of risk factors, such as controlling high blood pressure.
As we all navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, the physicians and staff at Nephrology Associates of Syracuse are working hard to ensure that care for kidney disease and related conditions like hypertension is accessible and available. The goal is to help patients manage their disease and to prevent unnecessary ER trips or hospital admissions.
Our practice remains open and safety screening measures are in place. Telemedicine visits are now available. It is crucial for patients with kidney disease to have access to ongoing nephrology care, including periodic lab work for monitoring and decision-making. Private lab draws in a sanitized setting are available.
We also offer blood pressure checks, kidney disease education, medical nutrition therapy, follow-up care after a hospitalization and chronic care management.
We encourage our community to take good care of their health and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You will find more resources, including information regarding telemedicine, at www.nephrologysyracuse.com.
Simardeep Mangat, M.D., is a certified hypertension specialist with Nephrology Associates of Syracuse, P.C. He is also a board-certified in nephrology and board-certified in internal medicine. For more information, visit www.nephrologysyracuse.com.