High blood pressure
Hypertension Treatment in Richmond, TX
Diagnosis and long-term care for high blood pressure, including home monitoring plans, medication management and protection for your heart and kidneys.
What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, means the force of blood against your artery walls stays higher than it should. It usually causes no symptoms, yet over time it raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and kidney disease. The good news is that it can be measured easily and treated effectively.
At Lifecare Primary Medical in Richmond, Samira Khan, MD, and our care team diagnose and manage high blood pressure as part of primary care and internal medicine. Our clinic is at 7103 South Peek Road, Suite 520, Richmond, TX 77407.
Understanding your numbers
What counts as high blood pressure?
A blood pressure reading has two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number). The American Heart Association uses these categories for adults:
- Normal: less than 120 and less than 80.
- Elevated: 120 to 129 and less than 80.
- Stage 1 hypertension: 130 to 139, or 80 to 89.
- Stage 2 hypertension: 140 or higher, or 90 or higher.
- Severe hypertension: higher than 180, and/or higher than 120.
One high reading does not mean you have hypertension. Blood pressure varies through the day, and a diagnosis is based on several readings, often including measurements taken at home.
Risk factors
Who is at risk?
High blood pressure becomes more common with age. Other risk factors include a family history of hypertension, overweight, physical inactivity, a diet high in sodium, heavy alcohol use, tobacco use, diabetes, kidney disease and sleep apnea. Some medications, such as certain decongestants and anti-inflammatory pain relievers, can also raise blood pressure.
Because hypertension is usually silent, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults 18 and older be screened.
Your physician
Samira Khan, MD
Internal Medicine · Lifecare Primary Medical
Hypertension care is one of Dr. Khan’s main areas of focus. She looks at blood pressure alongside related conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and kidney health, so treatment works as a whole.
She is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital.
Evaluation
How high blood pressure is evaluated
Your first visit includes careful blood pressure measurements, a review of your history and medications, and an exam. Depending on your situation, your physician may recommend blood and urine tests to check kidney function, blood sugar, cholesterol and electrolytes, and sometimes an electrocardiogram (ECG). These tests help find causes and check whether high blood pressure has affected other organs.
Checking your blood pressure at home
Home readings give a more complete picture than an occasional office reading. For accurate results:
- Use a validated upper-arm cuff that fits your arm.
- Sit quietly for five minutes with your back supported and feet flat on the floor.
- Rest your arm on a table so the cuff is at heart level.
- Avoid caffeine, exercise and smoking for 30 minutes before measuring.
- Take two readings a minute apart, morning and evening, and write them down.
Bring your log and your cuff to your next visit so we can check its accuracy.
Treatment
Long-term management
Lifestyle changes
Reducing sodium, eating more vegetables and fruit, staying active, limiting alcohol, not smoking and reaching a healthier weight can all lower blood pressure. For some people with elevated or stage 1 readings, these changes may be the first step.
Medication
Many adults need one or more medications to reach their goal. Several types are available, and the right choice depends on your readings, other health conditions and side effects. We monitor how each medication works, check related lab tests when needed, and adjust your plan over time.
Follow-up
After a new diagnosis or medication change, you will usually be seen again within a few weeks. Once your blood pressure is stable, visits are typically spaced further apart.
When high blood pressure is urgent
If your reading is higher than 180 on top or 120 on the bottom, wait a few minutes and check again. If it stays that high and you feel well, call our office or your doctor right away. Call 911 if a very high reading comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, a change in vision or difficulty speaking.
Our location
Visit Our Richmond Clinic
Adults from Richmond, Aliana, Grand Mission, Mission Bend and Katy visit our clinic on South Peek Road for blood pressure care.
Lifecare Primary Medical
7103 South Peek Road, Suite 520
Richmond, TX 77407
281-712-7757
Office hours
| Monday – Friday | 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday – Sunday | Closed |
Common questions
High blood pressure questions
What blood pressure is considered high?
For adults, a reading of 130 or higher on top, or 80 or higher on the bottom, is considered high blood pressure, based on several readings.
Does high blood pressure cause symptoms?
Usually not. Most people feel fine, which is why regular checks matter. Headaches or nosebleeds are not reliable signs.
Will I need medication for the rest of my life?
Many people do need long-term medication, but lifestyle changes can lower the dose or number of medicines needed. Never stop a blood pressure medication without talking to your physician.
How often should I check my blood pressure at home?
When starting or changing treatment, many patients check twice in the morning and twice in the evening for a week before a visit. Your physician will give you a schedule.
Can high blood pressure damage my kidneys?
Yes. Over time it can harm the kidneys, and kidney disease can also raise blood pressure. We check kidney function as part of your care.
Can I be seen the same day for a high reading?
Yes, for non-emergency concerns we accept walk-ins and same-day visits on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Get your blood pressure under control
Request an appointment or walk in on weekdays. Our office will contact you to confirm your visit.