Dr Colleen Amann-Shah, ND
Holistic Hypertension Treatment With Personalized Care
Dr. Amann-Shah offers comprehensive, evidence-based care for cardiometabolic conditions including hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and type 2 diabetes, with a focus on prevention, lifestyle support, and long-term health outcomes.
Her goal is to help you take control of your heart and metabolic health through individualized treatment plans that combine medical management with sustainable lifestyle changes.
Explore Best Hypertension Solutions Today!
Serving Tigard, OR | 📞 503-855-4341
Schedule a Blood Pressure Appointment
Empowering Your Health: Personalized Care for
Cardiometabolic Wellbeing
Hypertension Management
Controlling high blood pressure to reduce heart disease risk
Cholesterol & Lipid Disorders
Managing cholesterol levels using tailored treatment plans
Diabetes & Insulin Resistance Care
Preventing and managing blood sugar issues to prevent and/or treat diabetes
Heart Disease Prevention
A proactive approach to keeping your heart healthy for years to come.
By combining evidence-based medicine with lifestyle strategies, I help patients take control of their health and reduce the risk of future complications.
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Causes, Risks & Treatment
What You Need to Know About "The Silent Killer.”
Understand the causes, risks, and real solutions—so you can
take control of your health.
High Blood Pressure "The Silent Killer"
What Is High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure, also called hypertension, occurs when the force of blood pushing against your artery walls is consistently too high. It’s measured using two numbers: systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number).
- Systolic (top number): Pressure when your heart beats
- Diastolic (bottom number): Pressure when your heart rests between beats
A normal blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mmHg.
You’re considered to have high blood pressure (hypertension) if your numbers are consistently 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Left untreated, high blood pressure can quietly damage your blood vessels over time—without you even realizing it.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
High blood pressure often develops gradually over time—and the causes are usually a mix of lifestyle, genetics, and medical factors.
Some of the most common causes include:
• A diet high in sodium
• Lack of regular exercise
• Chronic stress or poor sleep
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Obesity or being overweight
• Health conditions like kidney disease or sleep apnea
Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
Why It's Called "The Silent Killer"
High blood pressure is often called "the silent killer" because it typically has no noticeable symptoms. In rare cases, people may experience headaches, nosebleeds, or shortness of breath.
Without warning, it can slowly damage your arteries, heart, brain, and kidneys—leading to life-altering or life-threatening conditions like:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Vision loss
💬 Dr. Colleen says:
“Many people don’t realize how dangerous
high blood pressure can be—until it’s too late.”
Who is at Risk for High Blood Pressure?
Who is at Risk?
Understanding your personal risk factors is key to early prevention. Anyone can develop high blood pressure, but some people are more likely to develop the chronic condition due to a combination of genetics and lifestyle.
Risk factors include age, family history, African American ethnicity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, and chronic stress. People with diabetes or high cholesterol are also at higher risk.
Risk Factors You Can’t Control:
- Age
- Family history
- Race and ethnicity
- Pregnancy-related conditions
Risk Factors You Can Control:
- High sodium diet
- Excess alcohol
- Lack of physical activity
- Stress
- Poor sleep
- Smoking
- Obesity
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you've been told your blood pressure is a little high, don't wait.
Schedule an appointment today to explore your options.
Serving Tigard, OR | 📞 503-855-4341
Truth: Most people have no symptoms at all. Regular checks are
the only way to know.
Myth: “The only treatment is medication.”
Truth: While meds can help, lifestyle changes often make a huge impact—
and may even prevent the need for prescriptions.
How We Diagnose & Monitor High BP
Dr. Colleen uses a thoughtful, evidence-based approach to blood pressure care.
- In-office blood pressure checks across multiple visits
- At-home monitoring plans so you can track trends
-24-hour ambulatory monitors for deeper insights when needed
A diagnosis is usually based on consistent readings of
130/80 mm Hg or higher.
Whether you’ve already been diagnosed or just have elevated readings, Dr. Colleen offers personalized care to get to the root of the issue.
How We Treat High Blood Pressure
At Dr. Colleen’s clinic, treatment begins with understanding why your blood pressure is elevated. Many patients respond well to lifestyle-based approaches before medication is needed.
Your treatment plan may include:
• Nutritional counseling and a DASH-style eating plan
• Stress management and better sleep
• Increased physical activity
• Sustainable weight loss if needed
If medication is necessary, Dr. Colleen selects options based on your overall health, lab results, and preferences.
-
Health Risks of Untreated High Blood Pressure
Without treatment, high blood pressure can damage your arteries and vital organs.
Over time, this can lead to:
• Heart attack or heart failure
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Vision problems
• Cognitive decline or dementia
-
Hypertension Management
Evidence-Based Ways to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally
Many people can significantly lower their blood pressure through simple, science-backed lifestyle changes—no medication required. These strategies are recommended by major health organizations like the American Heart Association and supported by years of research.
Here are some of the most effective
natural methods:
• Follow a DASH-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Reduce your sodium intake, especially from processed foods and restaurant meals
• Limit alcohol to no more than 1–2 drinks per day
• Exercise regularly—aim for at least 30 minutes most days of the week
• Get consistent, high-quality sleep
• Manage stress through breathing techniques, mindfulness, or relaxation activities
• Lose excess weight, especially if you carry it around your midsection
These lifestyle changes can lower blood pressure by
5 to 20 points in many patients.
Natural lifestyle changes can make a powerful difference—but they’re even more effective when they’re tailored to you. That’s exactly what we do at Dr. Colleen’s clinic.
What is the DASH Diet?
The DASH diet—short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension—is a flexible, heart-healthy eating plan developed through research funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It focuses on lowering blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and emphasizing nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy.
The diet also limits added sugars, saturated fats, and red meat. Endorsed by the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, the DASH diet is consistently ranked among the top diets for cardiovascular health and is widely recommended by physicians for people with high blood pressure.
LIfestyle Changes Tailored to You
While general strategies are a great starting point, not every tip works for every person.
At Dr. Colleen’s clinic, we take time to uncover the root causes behind your high blood pressure and design a sustainable lifestyle plan that fits your unique health picture.
You don’t have to do it alone. We’ll help you make changes that feel doable, not drastic—so you can stay consistent and see results that last.
During your visit, we may focus on:
- Identifying which foods work best for your metabolism and blood sugar
- Creating a realistic movement plan based on your current activity level
- Addressing underlying stressors, sleep issues, or hormonal imbalances
- Reviewing your blood pressure log to spot patterns and triggers
- Making gradual, achievable changes—without the guilt or overwhelm
When to Consider Medication?
Sometimes lifestyle changes aren’t enough—and that’s okay
- ACE inhibitors
- Calcium channel blockers, beta blockers, and others
— Holistic Care - The Whole You —
Why Choose Dr. Colleen for
Blood Pressure Care
You deserve a doctor who listens—and who sees the whole you.
At her integrative primary care practice in Tigard, OR
Dr. Colleen blends conventional medical training with a root-cause, lifestyle-centered philosophy.
You’ll get:
- Unrushed appointments
- Personalized care plans
- Guidance that fits your body and life
- A compassionate partner in your long-term health
To learn more about Dr. Colleen and her philosophy of care visit her Meet Your Physician page or check out her article "Discover How Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah is Transforming Primary Care in Tigard with Integrated Medicine."
Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah
Integrative Primary Care Physician
What to Expect from a Visit With Dr. Colleen
Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that’s realistic, effective, and tailored to your needs.
If you've been told your blood pressure is a little high, don't wait.
Schedule an appointment today to explore your options.
Serving Tigard, OR | 📞 503-855-4341
What Are Symptoms of High Blood Pressure?
A: Most people don’t feel any symptoms. In rare cases, very high blood pressure can cause headaches, nosebleeds, or vision changes—but it’s often silent.
Can I Lower My Blood Pressure Without Medication?
A: Yes! Many patients lower their numbers through diet, exercise, and stress reduction—with guidance from
a supportive doctor.
When should I See a Doctor About My Blood Pressure?
A: If your readings are consistently above 130/80, or if you’re unsure how to interpret them, schedule a visit.
Early action is key.
Ready to Take control of your blood pressure—starting today?
Let’s work together to prevent complications and support your heart for the long term.
Schedule your appointment today to get expert support in managing your high blood pressure.
Dr. Colleen offers compassionate, whole-person care for lasting results.
Call 503-855-4341 or visit our contact page to get started.
📞 503-855-4341 | 📍 Located in Tigard, OR
Book an Appointment Visit Our Hypertension Resource Page
Contact:
T: 503-855-4341
email: dramannshah@gmail.com
Address:
Tigard
OR
97224
About Us:
Dr. Colleen Amann-Shah, ND empowers individuals with personalized care, providing recommendations for the most effective conventional treatments and
science-backed naturopathic solutions.
