High blood pressure, or hypertension, is one of the most common yet silent threats to heart health today. It affects millions of people worldwide and is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. According to Dr. Honey Sharma, one of the best heart doctors in Mohali, timely diagnosis and proper management of hypertension can significantly reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
In this blog, we’ll understand what hypertension is, why it’s dangerous, its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and expert lifestyle tips to keep your blood pressure under control.
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls remains consistently high. This increased pressure puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels, leading to long-term damage.
There are two main types of hypertension:
- Primary (Essential) Hypertension: Develops gradually over time with no identifiable cause.
- Secondary Hypertension: Caused by underlying conditions like kidney disease, thyroid problems, or side effects of certain medications.
In medical terms, a normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg. When readings consistently exceed 130/90 mmHg, it’s a red flag for high blood pressure.
Why Hypertension is Called the ‘Silent Killer’
Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it rarely shows symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. As Dr. Honey Sharma, top cardiologist in Mohali, explains, uncontrolled high blood pressure silently affects the arteries, heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes.
Long-term hypertension can lead to:
- Coronary artery disease (heart blockages)
- Heart failure
- Stroke or brain hemorrhage
- Chronic kidney disease
- Vision loss
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Regular check-ups and early detection are key to preventing these serious outcomes.
Common Causes of Hypertension
According to Dr. Honey Sharma, interventional cardiologist at Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Mohali, several lifestyle and medical factors can contribute to high blood pressure:
- Sedentary lifestyle (lack of physical activity)
- Excessive salt and fat intake
- Obesity or being overweight
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Stress and anxiety
- Genetic predisposition
- Diabetes or high cholesterol
- Sleep apnea or poor-quality sleep
Identifying these risk factors early can help prevent hypertension and its related heart complications.
Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
While most people with hypertension experience no symptoms, some may notice:
- Persistent headaches
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Fatigue and breathlessness
- Nosebleeds (in severe cases)
If you experience any of these warning signs, it’s essential to consult a heart specialist in Mohali immediately.
How Hypertension Affects the Heart
Hypertension makes the heart work harder than normal to pump blood. Over time, this leads to thickening of the heart muscles (left ventricular hypertrophy), making it less efficient. This strain can cause:
- Coronary Artery Disease: High blood pressure damages artery walls, allowing plaque buildup that leads to heart blockages.
- Heart Attack: When blood flow to the heart is blocked, it results in a myocardial infarction.
- Heart Failure: The heart becomes too weak to pump effectively, leading to fluid retention and fatigue.
At drhoneysharma.com, Dr. Sharma provides advanced diagnostic and treatment options for patients with hypertension-related heart conditions.
Diagnosis and Tests for Hypertension
To diagnose hypertension, Dr. Honey Sharma, renowned cardiologist in Mohali, recommends the following evaluations:
- Blood pressure measurement (multiple readings across different visits)
- ECG or Echocardiogram: To check for heart damage
- Kidney function tests: To assess any secondary causes
- Cholesterol and sugar levels: To identify metabolic risk factors
- 24-hour Ambulatory BP Monitoring: For accurate readings throughout the day
Early and accurate diagnosis helps in creating a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Hypertension
The goal of treatment is to bring blood pressure within the normal range and prevent long-term damage. Dr. Honey Sharma, best heart doctor in Mohali, focuses on both lifestyle modifications and medical management.
1. Lifestyle Changes
- Reduce salt intake: Limit sodium consumption to less than 2g/day.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Exercise regularly: Aim for 30 minutes of walking or light activity daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity directly increases blood pressure.
- Quit smoking and alcohol: Both severely impact cardiovascular health.
- Manage stress: Yoga, meditation, or relaxation therapy can help.
2. Medications
If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, Dr. Sharma may prescribe medications like:
- ACE inhibitors or ARBs – relax blood vessels
- Beta-blockers – reduce heart workload
- Calcium channel blockers – ease vessel constriction
- Diuretics – remove excess sodium and fluid
Each treatment plan is customized based on the patient’s health condition and response.
Preventing Hypertension Complications
Controlling blood pressure isn’t just about numbers—it’s about protecting your organs and maintaining long-term health. Regular follow-ups with a cardiologist in Mohali are essential to:
- Monitor blood pressure and adjust medications
- Check for early signs of heart or kidney damage
- Update dietary and exercise recommendations
- Manage coexisting conditions like diabetes or cholesterol
At Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali, Dr. Honey Sharma offers comprehensive hypertension management programs with a holistic approach to patient care.
Hypertension and Lifestyle: Do’s and Don’ts
Do’s:
✅ Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas and spinach
✅ Stay active and maintain a healthy BMI
✅ Monitor BP at home regularly
✅ Sleep 7–8 hours every night
Don’ts:
🚫 Avoid processed and salty foods
🚫 Don’t skip your medicines
🚫 Limit caffeine and alcohol
🚫 Avoid stress and smoking
These simple habits can make a significant difference in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Why Choose Dr. Honey Sharma for Hypertension Treatment in Mohali
Dr. Honey Sharma is one of the most trusted and experienced interventional cardiologists in Mohali, known for her compassionate approach and expertise in managing hypertension and related cardiac conditions.
- Over 8 years of experience in cardiology
- Specialist in angioplasty, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, and heart failure management
- Practicing at Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali
- Personalized patient care with modern technology and holistic guidance
With a focus on preventive heart care, Dr. Sharma aims to educate patients about managing hypertension effectively to prevent future complications.
When to See a Cardiologist for High Blood Pressure
You should visit a heart doctor in Mohali if you:
- Have consistent BP readings above 130/90 mmHg
- Experience chest pain, breathlessness, or dizziness
- Have diabetes, obesity, or high cholesterol
- Have a family history of heart disease
Early consultation with Dr. Honey Sharma can prevent severe cardiovascular complications.
Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today
Hypertension may be silent, but its effects can be deadly if left unchecked. With the right care, lifestyle changes, and medical support, it can be easily controlled.
Whether you need a routine blood pressure check-up in Mohali or specialized cardiac treatment, Dr. Honey Sharma offers comprehensive solutions for every heart need.
📍 OPD 20, Shalby Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 63, Mohali
🌐 Visit drhoneysharma.com to book your appointment today.
Your heart deserves the best — protect it with care, commitment, and expertise from Dr. Honey Sharma, Mohali’s leading cardiologist.