Don't Ignore the Signs: Urgent Care Options for High Blood Pressure

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

When it comes to high blood pressure, you may or may not experience symptoms, according to the American Heart Association. It is important to understand which symptoms to watch out for, and what your risk factors are so you can take proactive steps to protect your health. Below, you’ll find more details on the symptoms of high blood pressure according to the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic.

Headaches

A common symptom of high blood pressure is headaches. These headaches are often described as a dull or throbbing pain that is felt on both sides of the head, according to the Cleveland Clinic. They also may be worse in the morning and tend to get worse as the day goes on.

Shortness of Breath

Another symptom of high blood pressure is shortness of breath. This can be a sign that your heart is having difficulty pumping blood throughout your body, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may feel like you can't catch your breath, even when you're not doing anything strenuous.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is another symptom of high blood pressure. The Mayo Clinic notes that this can be a sign that your heart is working too hard to pump blood throughout your body. Chest pain may feel a tightness or pressure in your chest, or you may experience sharp, stabbing pains. Chest pain can also radiate to your back or down one or both of your arms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Dizziness or Vision Changes

Dizziness can be a sign that your brain is not getting enough blood, according to the Mayo Clinic. You may feel lightheaded or dizzy, and you may even faint due to fluctuations in your blood pressure.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see an urgent care provider right away. According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure can lead to serious health problems, including stroke and heart attack, if left untreated.

Risk Factors for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (also known as “hypertension”) is associated with several risk factors. The American Heart Association notes that the following are common risks for developing high blood pressure:

• Genetics
• Diet
• Stress levels
• Age
• Obesity
• Smoking

Understanding these risk factors can help you understand more about your overall health, and take steps to either prevent or manage high blood pressure.

Genetics

Hypertension can run in families, according to the Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association. This means that if you have relatives with high blood pressure, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. The AHA notes that this is because certain genes can make you more susceptible to high blood pressure.

Diet

Your diet can play a large role in your blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. Eating a diet high in sodium, saturated fat, or cholesterol can increase your risk of developing hypertension. On the flip side, the American Heart Association notes that eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help lower your blood pressure.

Stress

Stress can cause temporary increases in blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. They also note that dealing with chronic stress can lead to long-term hypertension. If you have a high-stress job or lifestyle, the AHA notes that it is important to find ways to minimize or manage your stress.

Age

As you get older, your risk of developing high blood pressure increases. The Mayo Clinic notes that this is because your blood vessels become less flexible and more narrow over time.

Obesity

Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of developing hypertension, according to the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic. This is because excess weight puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels. Excess weight is also associated with poor dietary habits and a lack of exercise, which also contributes to poor cardiovascular health.

Smoking

Smoking can damage your blood vessels and increase your risk of developing hypertension, according to the American Heart Association. If you smoke, The AHA recommends that you quit right away to help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health and well-being.

When to get Medical Attention for High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, it's important to know how and when you should get medical care. Urgent care clinics are often a great option, however, there are times when you should seek the care of an emergency room. Here are some options to consider:

When to go to the Emergency Room for Hypertension

According to the AHA, tf you're experiencing severe symptoms such as:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or vision changes

You should go to the emergency room immediately, recommends the AHA. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle life-threatening situations and can provide the necessary treatment to stabilize your blood pressure quickly. They can also test and monitor you for complications of high blood pressure, such as heart attack or stroke.

When to go to an Urgent Care Clinic for Hypertension

Urgent care clinics are a great option for non-life-threatening situations where you need immediate care but don't require emergency treatment. If you are concerned that you may have high blood pressure but you do not have severe symptoms, urgent care providers can take your blood pressure and order lab testing that can evaluate your risk of hypertension. They can also prescribe you medication and give you lifestyle recommendations if you have hypertension or pre-hypertension.

Many urgent care clinics have extended hours and can provide same-day service. This makes it easier to get the care you need when you need it, instead of waiting for an appointment with a primary care doctor. Some clinics may also have on-site laboratory and imaging services to help diagnose and treat high blood pressure and associated conditions.

Treatment Options for High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, The AHA notes that it is important to seek treatment and monitor your condition to help prevent serious health complications. Urgent care clinics can provide quick and effective treatment options for high blood pressure, including prescribing medications and recommending lifestyle changes.

Medications for Hypertension

There are several types of medications that can be used to treat high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. In the urgent care setting, your healthcare provider may prescribe one or more of the following, depending on your specific circumstances:

• Diuretics - These are medications that help your body get rid of excess salt and water—which can lower your blood pressure.
• ACE Inhibitors - Medications that can relax your blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow through them.
• Beta Blockers - These are medications that can slow your heart rate and reduce the force of your heart's contractions, which in turn lowers your blood pressure.

Lifestyle Changes That May Help You Manage Your High Blood Pressure

In addition to medication, lifestyle changes play a big role in lowering your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may recommend some of the following, as they reflect recommendations from the American Heart Association:

• Dietary Changes: Eating a healthy diet that is low in salt and saturated fat can help lower your blood pressure.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and improve your overall health.
• Stress Management: Finding ways to manage stress, such as through meditation or yoga, can also help lower your blood pressure.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care When You Have High Blood Pressure

Once you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider regularly. This recommendation by the American Heart Association ensures that your condition is monitored thoroughly and that your treatment is working properly. Your healthcare provider may recommend regular blood pressure checks, medication adjustments, and other lifestyle changes to help manage your hypertension.

Complications of Untreated High Blood Pressure

If you have high blood pressure, it is important to get it under control as soon as possible, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications that can affect your health and quality of life. Some of these complications include:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney damage

Below are more details on the effects of high blood pressure, as outlined by the Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, and AHA.

Heart Attack

The Mayo Clinic explains that high blood pressure can cause the arteries to become narrow and hard—making it difficult for blood to adequately flow through them. This can lead to a blockage of the heart’s blood supply, known as a heart attack.

Stroke

High blood pressure can also increase your risk of having a stroke, according to the Cleveland Clinic. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is blocked or reduced. Strokes can cause brain damage or even death in severe cases.

Kidney Damage

High blood pressure is known to damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic. This damage can affect their ability to function properly.

When to Seek Emergency Care for High Blood Pressure

In some cases, high blood pressure can lead to serious complications that require emergency medical attention. Below are some signs that you should seek emergency care for high blood pressure, as outlined by the Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms

The Mayo Clinic warns that if you are experiencing symptoms of severe high blood pressure, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately. These symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache or blurry vision

These symptoms may indicate a hypertensive crisis, which is a medical emergency according to the American Heart Association.

Blood Pressure Readings Above 180/120 mmHg

If your blood pressure readings are above 180/120 mmHg, the Mayo Clinic recommends that you seek emergency medical attention right away. This level of high blood pressure can lead to organ damage and other serious complications, according to the AHA.

History of Heart Disease or Stroke

If you have a history of heart disease or stroke and are experiencing symptoms of high blood pressure, the Mayo Clinic notes that you should get medical attention as soon as possible. These symptoms, they warn, may indicate a heart attack or stroke, which can be life-threatening.

Importance of Blood Pressure Monitoring

Monitoring your blood pressure is crucial for managing high blood pressure, according to the AHA. To accurately monitor your blood pressure at home, you will need a blood pressure monitor. These are usually available to purchase through medical supply companies, or at drug-store pharmacies. Your doctor can help you find the appropriate blood pressure monitoring device, and teach you how to use it.

To ensure accurate readings, follow the steps on the package insert carefully. In most cases, the instructions will be similar to the following:

1. Sit in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor.
2. Rest your arm on a table or armrest, with your palm facing up.
3. Wrap the cuff around your upper arm, or your wrist (refer to package instructions).
4. Ensure that the cuff is secure but not too tight.
5. Turn on the monitor and wait for it to inflate and deflate the cuff.
6. Record your blood pressure reading and the time of day.

Recommendations for how often to monitor your blood pressure will vary, depending on your circumstances. Your doctor will give you instructions on how and when to monitor your blood pressure, and how often to follow up with them. With your home monitoring, your doctor will be able to track any changes in your blood pressure over time and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. If you get a high blood pressure reading at home, it is important to get urgent care, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you can take a proactive approach to control your high blood pressure with the following steps:

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Exercise regularly, if your doctor says it is safe
• Reduce stress in your life
• Stop smoking, if you do
• Take your blood pressure medications as directed
• Follow up with a healthcare provider as often as they advise