1.9K Reviews | 4.7 Star Rating | 20+ years of experience | 72k+ Patients Treated
Hypertension
Get expert hypertension care in Houston with Dr. Scott at GastroDoxs. From precise diagnosis to personalized treatment and lifestyle guidance-including pulmonary hypertension-Dr. Scott delivers patient-focused cardiovascular support. Book your appointment today for complete blood pressure care.
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, occurs when the force of blood against your artery walls stays too high over time. It's often called “the silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms until serious complications arise.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
A family history of hypertension
Age over 45
Extra weight or obesity
A high-salt or processed-food diet
Little exercise or high stress
Smoking or heavy alcohol use
Other conditions like diabetes or kidney disease
Signs and Symptoms
Often none in early stages
Headaches or dizziness
Blurred vision
Shortness of breath
Feeling tired or confused
A high diastolic reading (above 90 mmHg)
How Dr. Scott Diagnoses This Condition?
Dr. Scott uses a step-by-step approach:
Medical History and Exam
He reviews your sexual history, risk factors (number of partners, smoking status, immune health) and performs a focused physical exam to identify any visible warts or lesions.
Pap Smear and HPV DNA Testing
For women, a Pap smear screens for abnormal cervical cells. An HPV DNA test identifies high-risk strains (like types 16 and 18). For men with suspicious lesions, swabs can be collected for similar testing.
Colposcopy
Under magnification, Dr. Scott inspects the cervix, vulva or penile skin for subtle abnormalities.
Acetic acid or Lugol's iodine may be applied to highlight atypical areas.
Biopsy (If Indicated)
If colposcopic examination reveals concerning tissue, a small sample is taken and sent to pathology to confirm the presence and severity of HPV-related changes.
Treatment
Our Team offers a full range of care for hypertension.
1. Lifestyle and Diet Modifications
DASH diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Limiting sodium to under 1,500 mg per day
At least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days
Stress management via yoga, breathing exercises, or counseling
2. Medications
ACE inhibitors or ARBs to relax blood vessels
Calcium channel blockers to lower heart workload
Diuretics to remove excess fluid
Beta-blockers to slow heart rate
3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures
Balloon angioplasty for pulmonary hypertension cases
Implanted pressure monitors for ongoing tracking
Renal denervation (currently available in clinical trials)
Dr. Scott Liu, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist with over six years of experience and a background in military medicine. He earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, completed his Internal Medicine residency at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and finished his Gastroenterology fellowship through the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Liu provides comprehensive care for a broad range of digestive conditions, including abdominal pain, acid reflux, liver disease, chronic diarrhea, and colon cancer screening. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology and is known for his disciplined, patient-focused approach and clear communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
A reading under 120/80 mmHg is considered normal.
What causes high diastolic pressure?
It may be due to stiff arteries, hormonal imbalances, or underlying kidney issues.
What is the ICD-10 code for hypertension?
The code is I10 for primary (essential) hypertension.
What about pulmonary hypertension?
That's listed as I27.0 in the ICD-10 code system.
Can I fix hypertension without medication?
Some mild cases improve with diet and exercise alone, but many patients will still need medication for full control.
How often should I check my blood pressure?
Check at least once a week at home and every time you visit your doctor for optimal monitoring.
Is hypertension curable?
Hypertension isn't curable, but it can be effectively managed with the right combination of lifestyle changes and treatment.
Related Blogs
Learn More About the Foods that May Be Triggering Your IBS
