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Super Contributor
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Registered: ‎03-10-2010
What kind of specialist is best to go to when one is having a hard time with controlling their blood pressure? PCP has changed meds but it’s not where it should be. I’m wanting to see a specialist.

I’m thinking cardiologist but a friend of mine, who also had issues goes to a kidney doctor. So I’m wondering which specialist is generally used, or does it not matter?

Thanks for your replies.


Respected Contributor
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Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Specialist for HBP

[ Edited ]

In my case it was a nephrologist (kidney doc) who got my pressure under control.  He knew which medicine was better in the morning, which to take at night.  Now I am well controlled with good readings.

Honored Contributor
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Those in my family with high blood pressure see a cardiologist.

"If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you'll learn things you never knew. Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains? can you paint with all the colors of the wind?"
Honored Contributor
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Registered: ‎10-03-2014

Re: Specialist for HBP

[ Edited ]

Usually, internists do fine treating high blood pressure, so I'm curious why your friend is seeing a nephrologist.  

 

Does your friend have kidney disease because that can cause high blood pressure?  If there is kidney disease, what is causing it?

 

Sometimes when there is a problem getting high blood pressure under control, then a cardiologist would be the one I would go to.  High blood pressure makes the heart pump harder possibly causing heart disease.  

 

When there is high blood pressure and heart disease, internists often recommend seeing a cardiologist.

 

Heart disease can lead to chronic renal disease or failure, then the internist or cardiologist recommends seeing a nephrologist, as well.  The patient would continue seeing all three doctors going forward.  

 

My father had the same problem as you are having.  He went to a cardiologist and it turned out it was his internist who wasn't prescribing the right medication for him.  He changed internists, but continues to see a cardiologist, as well.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Honored Contributor
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@PinkyPetunia wrote:

In my case it was a nephrologist (kidney doc) who got my pressure under control.  He knew which medicine was better in the morning, which to take at night.  Now I am well controlled with good readings.


Both of my cherished aunts had a wonderful nephrologist. very kind, very attentive and an excellent physician.


My "baby" aunt (age 92) has recently recovered from her 2nd Covid infection. That doctor was definitely doing something right.

 

Honored Contributor
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Usually if an internist cannot get it under control, he refers the patient to a nephrologist, but if they are already cardiac patients, the cardiologist can control it.  

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@Ditzydori wrote:
What kind of specialist is best to go to when one is having a hard time with controlling their blood pressure? PCP has changed meds but it’s not where it should be. I’m wanting to see a specialist.

I’m thinking cardiologist but a friend of mine, who also had issues goes to a kidney doctor. So I’m wondering which specialist is generally used, or does it not matter?

Thanks for your replies.



My PCP is providing me with treatment for my HBP.  He had me coming back for checkups until he found the right combination of medications that kept my HBP under control.  So it took several visits and trying different medications to keep my HBP under control.  I don't remember how often he had me come back at first, it was either after 30 days, or after 90 days.  I have also reduced sodium intake and try to maintain an active lifestyle, though that is hard under our current situation.

 

Best of luck!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,233
Registered: ‎07-18-2015

My Family Dr. prescribed my meds for HBP. They have kept it under control with no problems. I think that if there are other more serious medical problems seeing a specialist is recommended.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 69,397
Registered: ‎03-10-2010

It's often just a matter of trying various combinations and quanities of drugs until the right combination is found.  Trial and error, often done by an internist.

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Registered: ‎03-10-2010

 

Thanks very much, ladies, for your replies.