Which department should I go to for high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis?

For hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis, patients can generally visit departments such as cardiology, endocrinology, rheumatology and immunology. It is recommended that patients choose the appropriate department based on their individual conditions, which will help to clarify the diagnosis and provide targeted treatment. Here are the details:

1. Cardiology

Hypertension is a clinical syndrome characterized by elevated systemic arterial pressure and increased peripheral small artery resistance, accompanied by varying degrees of increased cardiac output and peripheral vascular resistance. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is a systemic autoimmune disease manifested primarily by symmetrical swelling and pain in small joints such as hands, wrists, and feet, with severe cases leading to joint deformities or stiffness. If a patient has a history of hypertension and recently developed symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, it is recommended to visit cardiology.

2. Endocrinology

Hypertension can be related to genetic factors or long-term poor dietary habits, such as frequently consuming greasy foods, and may also be associated with long-term smoking and drinking. Rheumatoid arthritis, as an autoimmune disease, is often linked to genetic factors, with a higher risk of developing the disease among offspring if their parents have it. For such individuals, it is recommended to visit endocrinology.

3. Rheumatology and Immunology

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling, and morning stiffness in multiple joints. Hypertension, meanwhile, arises from the sustained elevation of pressure exerted by the fluid flowing in the blood on the blood vessel walls above normal levels. For individuals with a history of hypertension, it is advisable to visit rheumatology and immunology.

4. Other Departments

If a patient is found to have kidney damage during examination, they should promptly visit nephrology. Kidney damage can lead to water and sodium retention, which may induce hypertension.