Skip to main content

High Blood Pressure Specialist

Seven Corners Medical Center

Internal Medicine & Primary Care Practice located in Falls Church, VA

As many as 75 million people in the United States have high blood pressure and are at increased risk for chronic heart disease and stroke. At Seven Corners Medical Center in Falls Church, Virginia, physicians George Sopko, MD, MPH, and Anu George, MD, are skilled in diagnosing and treating high blood pressure. Taking an integrative approach, Dr. Sopko and Dr. George identify the many factors that influence blood pressure and offer resources to treat it through lifestyle changes and medications. To schedule a blood pressure screening, call Seven Corners Medical Center today or book an appointment online now.

High Blood Pressure Q & A

What is high blood pressure?

Your blood pressure is a measurement of the force of your blood against your artery walls. The arteries carry blood from your heart to the other parts of your body. If this pressure is greater than normal, you have a condition known as high blood pressure, or hypertension.

When high blood pressure isn’t properly treated, it can cause long-term damage to your heart and overall health.

If you have primary hypertension, there may be no clear reason why your blood pressure is high. In secondary hypertension, your blood pressure is likely the result of an underlying medical condition, such as:

  • Obesity
  • Thyroid disorder
  • Kidney disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea

You may also develop high blood pressure when using certain medications, like birth control pills or nasal decongestants.

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is often referred to as the silent killer because you may not experience any symptoms at all until continually elevated blood pressure has already caused damage.

When symptoms do occur, you may experience:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath

To identify high blood pressure before serious health issues develop, the staff at Seven Corners Medical Center recommend routine blood pressure checks.

How is high blood pressure diagnosed?

During your annual physical, or any other visit, the team measures your blood pressure. If you have a personal or family history of high blood pressure, your provider may recommend more frequent blood pressure checks or suggest self-checks at home using a blood pressure cuff.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Treatments for high blood pressure depend on your overall health and the severity of your condition. For those in the early stages of high blood pressure, lifestyle changes and dietary modifications can go a long way to improving your blood pressure naturally.

Your Seven Corners Medical Center provider works with you on a nutritious, heart-healthy diet that’s low in salt. They can also recommend exercise and other activities to help you maintain a healthy weight.

If these measures aren’t enough to control your blood pressure, you may need to take medications. The medications can help relax your blood vessels to improve blood circulation or assist your body with eliminating excess fluids.

Scheduling routine blood pressure checks in the office and following it at home can also help you stay on top of your condition.

If you have a family history of high blood pressure, don’t delay coming in for a blood pressure evaluation. You can book a consultation with the medical team at Seven Corners Medical Center by phone or by using the online booking feature.