Hypertension is an all-too-common condition that affects nearly half of all adults. Despite being common, it is no less serious. Unmanaged hypertension can lead to dangerous, life-threatening problems. Understanding what hypertension is and how urgent care can help is vital.
Oxford Urgent Care provides convenient, top-tier care for hypertension and many other conditions 7 days a week in Oxford, MS.
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is an elevated pressure within your arteries. Resistance in the blood vessels forces your heart to work harder to pump blood throughout your body. Normal blood pressure for most people is 120/80 or below. Anything higher than this is considered high blood pressure.
Hypertension has two main stages. Stage 1 is defined by a top number (systolic) between 130 and 139 and a bottom number (diastolic) between 80 and 89. Stage 2 hypertension is characterized by a top number over 140 and a bottom number of 90 or higher.
Why Is Hypertension a Concern?
Unlike many other conditions, high blood pressure often is without noticeable symptoms unless it becomes very high. This may cause some people to overlook the significance of hypertension and why it is a problem. It is essential to understand the health consequences of uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Heart Attack or Stroke
Over time, hypertension can cause hardening of the arteries and other changes that can increase the risk of a stroke or heart attack.
Heart Failure
When your blood pressure is high, your heart has to work harder to pump blood. This results in the thickening of the heart muscle, leading ultimately to heart failure.
Kidney Damage
Uncontrolled hypertension can cause changes to the small blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney damage, a serious problem.
Cognitive Problems and Dementia
Hypertension can affect your cognitive abilities, which include memory, reasoning, and learning. High blood pressure can also cause narrowing or blockages in the blood vessels in your brain, which can lead to a form of dementia.
Can Urgent Care Treat Hypertension?
Treating high blood pressure can help prevent these complications. But where can you go for treatment? Primary care providers and specialists play a key role in diagnosing and managing high blood pressure, but it may be difficult to get an appointment when you have a blood pressure concern. This is where the convenience of urgent care comes in.
Urgent care is a great choice when you need help with your blood pressure. An urgent care provider can check blood pressure measurements, discuss hypertension management, and prescribe blood pressure medications.
When Is High Blood Pressure an Emergency?
High blood pressure is an emergency when it gets too high, a situation known as a hypertensive emergency.
Hypertensive Emergency
Blood pressure higher than 180/120 is considered a hypertensive emergency. When your blood pressure reaches this point, you are at risk for a stroke, heart attack, or other dangerous complications. You might experience symptoms, including:
- Blurred vision.
- Significant headache.
- Confusion.
- Anxiety.
- Shortness of breath.
- Seizures.
You need to call 911 or get to an emergency room if you are having a hypertensive emergency. Careful monitoring and critical medications are typically needed to lower your blood pressure, ensure your safety, and ensure your blood pressure remains controlled.
Urgent Care Treatment for High Blood Pressure
For non-emergency hypertension, urgent care is an excellent choice for immediate medical care. Oxford Urgent Care offers convenient, experienced care for hypertension without an appointment. Our onsite diagnostic services include a lab, X-ray, and EKG services, ensuring you get the best treatment quickly. Visit us today.