Parkland's Hypertension Clinic is saving lives
Parkland's Hypertension Clinic is saving lives
Managing high blood pressure can help prevent heart disease and other serious health risks
Heart disease includes several conditions, such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, and hypertension, all of which can lead to serious health problems. According to the 2022 Parkland Health Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA), it is the leading cause of death in Dallas County and the nation.
One of the most alarming risk factors for heart disease is high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. It is often called the “silent killer” because it usually presents with little or no noticeable symptoms.
“Even in the absence of common symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath or dizziness, high blood pressure can lead to a range of complications including heart failure, stroke and kidney disease,” said Shawna Nesbitt, MD, MS, Medical Director of Parkland’s Hypertension Clinic as well as Vice President and Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer at UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Most people with hypertension should be treated to achieve a systolic blood pressure (top number) under 130 mmHg and a diastolic blood pressure (bottom number) under 80 mmHg.
For Brenda Masters, 71, of Dallas, a referral to the Hypertension Clinic at Parkland didn’t just set her on a path toward healthier blood pressure numbers, it gave her the gift of precious time with her loved ones that the disease could have robbed her of.
“Having a specified clinic just for hypertension allowed me to become more educated on this condition. The team really follows my numbers, they adjust with my medication when needed, but most importantly they make sure I am aware of what hypertension is, what it can lead to and how to manage it,” Brenda said.
The gratitude for the clinic team doesn’t just end with Brenda. Her daughter Chanta Masters sees firsthand how the team is constantly ensuring her mom has the tools and resources to manage her hypertension and live a healthy life. “Everyone is working together for my mom’s health, and they want to make sure she has the best quality of life, too,” Chanta said.
That degree of advocacy for the patients is what truly means the world to Chanta. “I can honestly say Dr. Nesbitt and her team have given me more time with my mom,” she said.
In May of 2024 Brenda’s care team was worried about some symptoms she was having, prompting them to order additional tests and it was discovered she had a cancerous mass on her kidney. Brenda was quickly referred to an oncologist at Parkland, where she underwent an operation to remove the mass and is now doing well.
“I don’t think the idea of a mass on my mom’s kidney was on anyone’s radar, but Dr. Nesbitt and her team recommended additional testing. We caught the cancer at a very early stage, and she’s doing great now,” Chanta said.
Hypertension can be difficult to detect, but it doesn’t have to go unnoticed. Brenda recommends anyone who is dealing with hypertension seek out the opportunity to learn more about their condition and understand the ways they can manage it.
“It’s so important to be educated about hypertension, don’t give up. Pursue treating it, because I am here and doing well, hallelujah Jesus!”
If you or a loved one have concerns about high blood pressure or related symptoms, Parkland’s Access to Care & Coverage Program is located in the neighborhoods where you live and work offering health screenings such as blood pressure checks in addition to other services.
To learn more about hypertension visit www.parklandhealth.org/hypertension. For more information about services available at Parkland, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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