Can You Go to Urgent Care for High Blood Pressure?

High Blood Pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that affects approximately 47%, or 116 million people in the US, according to the CDC. While ranging in severity, symptoms of high blood pressure can include: 

  • Blurred vision
  • Headaches 
  • Breathlessness/Dizziness
  • Heart palpitations 
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety

Blood pressure is measured using a machine called a sphygmomanometer, which measures your Systolic Blood Pressure (the pressure inside your arteries) and Diastolic blood pressure (the pressure inside your artery between beats). A reading of 140/09mmHg or above is classified as high blood pressure, and is an indication that you should seek medical assistance. 

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Can You Go to Urgent Care for High Blood Pressure?

Most people do not have access to a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure cuff) at home, meaning it can be hard to know whether or not you are experiencing high blood pressure. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, visiting an urgent care center, or virtual urgent care center means that you can access healthcare support and advice sooner, rather than later. 

When Should You Go to Urgent Care for High Blood Pressure?

Many studies agree that the broad spectrum of disease, from asymptomatic to critically ill, creates a dilemma for the emergency physician in deciding how and when in the process to intervene.

However, as a general rule of thumb, you should visit urgent care if you are dealing with a range of high blood pressure symptoms and would like to receive a formal diagnosis or some support. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, you should forgo urgent care and head straight to the ER.

What to Expect When Visiting Urgent Care for High Blood Pressure?

When visiting Urgent Care, you should register your attendance with the receptionist upon arrival. They will ask you to describe your symptoms, as this could impact your wait time or place in the queue. 

When meeting with a physician, they will carry out a blood pressure reading and other routine tests. Following this, they will suggest what the best next step is for you. If they think your high blood pressure is a symptom of a deeper condition, they will carry out additional tests. Alternatively, they’ll suggest medication or treatment options with you, including lifestyle changes you can make. 

When to Seek Emergency Care and When to Go to the ER?

The Cleveland Clinic recommends that you seek emergency care if: 

  • Your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or above.
  • You’re experiencing severe chest pains.
  • You’re struggling to breathe.
  • You have muscle numbness/weakness.

If It’s Not an Emergency Try Virtual Urgent Care!

If you are not dealing with an emergency but are still worried about your symptoms, you should reach out to a telehealth professional. 

One of the biggest benefits of telemedicine is the fact that your health concerns are addressed promptly, without having to wait hours in an urgent care center waiting for your name to be called. This way, you will receive quick access to the support you need – without having to leave your home.

How Can DrHouse Help You?

DrHouse is a telehealth app that can provide you with access to a board-certified doctor in minutes. Whether you are experiencing high blood pressure, or any other medical symptom, our team of healthcare professionals can help.

Our online doctors can diagnose and treat your conditions, provide you with a prescription if required, and even get the meds delivered to your door.

If you are concerned about your high blood pressure symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can help!

FAQ

Key Takeaways

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health condition that must be carefully managed. Those dealing with the condition should do plenty of research to ensure their lifestyle is not contributing to their blood pressure and make any necessary changes as a result.

If symptoms become urgent, they should head to their local ER. In non-emergency scenarios, virtual or in-person urgent care facilities can provide them with access to healthcare support. In addition to providing them with a formal diagnosis, they can suggest a range of treatment options and put together a plan that will help them to better their health.

If you’re looking for healthcare support, please do not hesitate to reach out today. Our virtual urgent care services are open 24/7, and you’ll be able to receive the support of a qualified, experienced medical professional from the comfort of your own home. 

Sources:

Content on the DrHouse website is written by our medical content team and reviewed by qualified MDs, PhDs, NPs, and PharmDs. We follow strict content creation guidelines to ensure accurate medical information. However, this content is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more information read our medical disclaimer.

Always consult with your physician or other qualified health providers about medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on what you read on this website.

If you are experiencing high fever (>103F/39.4C), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, heart palpitations, abnormal bruising, abnormal bleeding, extreme fatigue, dizziness, new weakness or paralysis, difficulty with speech, confusion, extreme pain in any body part, or inability to remain hydrated or keep down fluids or feel you may have any other life-threatening condition, please go to the emergency department or call 911 immediately.

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