Internal Medicine at Chinook Medical Centre — by physician referral
What This Covers
High blood pressure (hypertension) means the force of blood against your artery walls is consistently higher than healthy levels. This page also covers orthostatic hypotension — blood pressure that drops when standing up, causing dizziness or fainting — and difficult-to-control hypertension, where blood pressure stays elevated despite treatment.
Common Reasons for Referral
- Blood pressure that remains high despite treatment
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting on standing (possible orthostatic hypotension)
- Hypertension complicated by other conditions (diabetes, kidney disease)
- Uncertainty about starting, adjusting, or simplifying blood pressure medication
- Significant swings between high and low readings
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Most people with hypertension have no symptoms — it’s identified through measurement, not how you feel. When symptoms occur, they can include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, or vision changes. Orthostatic hypotension specifically can cause lightheadedness, blurred vision, or fainting when moving from sitting or lying to standing.
Risk factors include family history, age, excess weight, high sodium intake, low activity levels, excess alcohol use, chronic stress, and underlying conditions such as kidney disease, sleep apnea, or thyroid disorders.
When Urgent Medical Attention May Be Needed
Severe headache with very high readings, chest pain, confusion, sudden vision loss, or shortness of breath are emergencies — seek immediate care rather than waiting for a scheduled referral.
What Dr. Srini May Assess
Blood pressure patterns over time (including standing vs. sitting readings where relevant), contributing conditions, medication response, and overall cardiovascular risk — coordinated rather than treated as an isolated number.
Tests That May Be Considered
Repeated blood pressure readings, blood work, urine testing, and heart-function tests where indicated. Chinook Guardian Pharmacy is located on-site, with laboratory and diagnostic imaging services conveniently located nearby or just steps away, helping keep this care coordinated.
General Treatment and Monitoring Approach
May include dietary changes, physical activity, weight management, reduced alcohol intake, medication adjustment, and regular monitoring — individualized to you, with no fixed protocol promised.
Preparing for Your Appointment
Bring a current medication list, any home blood pressure readings you’ve recorded, and note any episodes of dizziness or fainting, including when they occur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high blood pressure be cured?
It’s typically managed long-term rather than cured, though lifestyle changes can sometimes reduce the need for medication.
What is orthostatic hypotension?
A drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can cause dizziness or fainting. It has different causes and management from standard high blood pressure and is assessed separately.
Do I need a referral to see Dr. Srini?
Yes — a referral from a family physician or nurse practitioner is required; Dr. Srini cannot be booked directly.
Can I check my blood pressure at home?
Yes — home monitoring is a useful part of management. Ask your care team for guidance on device choice and monitoring frequency.
How to Obtain a Referral
If you already have a Chinook family doctor: ask them about a referral to Dr. Srini for internal medicine consultation.
If you don’t have a family doctor: become a patient at Chinook Medical Centre so one of our physicians can assess and refer internally if appropriate.
For referring physicians and nurse practitioners: Fax: 403-384-9798 · Phone: 403-384-9799. Please include the Cumulative Patient Profile, medication list, and relevant labs, imaging or ECG reports. Referrals are triaged according to clinical urgency and appropriateness.
Manage Your Prescriptions
Once your blood pressure treatment plan is in place, Chinook Guardian Pharmacy — located in the same building — can fill and manage your prescriptions, coordinate refills, and answer medication questions.
Sources
Hypertension Canada — home blood pressure monitoring guidance and recommended device list. | Heart & Stroke Foundation
Medically reviewed by Dr. Srinivasan Narasimhalu, MD, FRCPC
Last reviewed: September 6, 2026
This page is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. If you have symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider or, for urgent symptoms, seek immediate care.
Referral fax: 403-384-9798 (fax only — do not call)
Questions: 403-384-9799
