Heart

High blood pressure (hypertension)

Many people with high blood pressure feel completely fine. That’s what makes it dangerous: silent damage to arteries, heart, kidneys, and brain that adds up over years.

Book a cardiology consultationCall (305) 249-5666

AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.

What the two numbers mean

Top number

Systolic

The pressure when your heart contracts.

Bottom number

Diastolic

The pressure when your heart relaxes between beats.

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mmHg; hypertension begins at 130/80. Both numbers matter. A high top number alone is common in older adults and carries real risk, particularly for stroke.

Most hypertension has no symptoms — home monitoring is the only way to catch it early.

Why it is dangerous

Chronic high pressure damages the inner lining of arteries, accelerating plaque buildup. It thickens and stiffens the heart muscle, contributing to heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

It also strains the kidneys and small vessels of the brain, raising the risk of chronic kidney disease and vascular cognitive decline.

Call 911 if a very high reading comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden weakness, trouble speaking, or a severe headache.

How it works

How your cardiologist can help

  1. 01

    Confirm the diagnosis

    Proper measurement technique matters. Bring your home readings and your cuff if you have one.

  2. 02

    Rule out secondary causes

    Sleep apnea, kidney disease, and hormonal disorders can all push pressure up.

  3. 03

    Build a personalized plan

    Lifestyle changes and — when needed — medication tailored to your other conditions. Medication is often complementary, not a failure.

  4. 04

    Regular follow-up

    Blood pressure control is a moving target that responds to weight, stress, sleep, sodium, and how regularly medicine is taken.

Questions about blood pressure

When should I see a cardiologist about my blood pressure?
Consider a cardiology consultation if your home readings average above 130/80, if your pressure is difficult to control on two or more medications, if you have symptoms such as headaches or shortness of breath alongside elevated readings, or if you have a family history of early cardiovascular disease.
Will I need tests?
Often an EKG, and sometimes an echocardiogram to see whether pressure has affected the heart muscle. Your cardiologist orders only what will change the plan.
Do you accept my insurance?

Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.

Where can I read more?
See our Learning Center article High Blood Pressure Explained.

Get your blood pressure under control with a plan.

Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day. We verify your insurance before your visit. Most new patients are seen within 5–7 business days.

Book a cardiology consultation

AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.