As blood pumps through your body, it exerts force on the walls of your arteries. This is what blood pressure is. There are two types of blood pressure readings: systolic and diastolic.
- Understanding Systolic Blood Pressure – This is the pressure caused by your heart when it contracts and pushes blood out.
- Understanding Diastolic Blood Pressure – This is the pressure when your heart relaxes and allows blood to flow in.
You won’t ever “feel” your blood pressure when it is high, but these readings still have a major effect on your body. Normal blood pressure for adults is 120/80, with the top number representing systolic blood pressure and diastolic on the bottom.
Concerned About Your Blood Pressure in Arlington or Colleyville? Contact Urgentology Care Urgentology Care at (817) 799-7273 today.
High Blood Pressure – What Is It & What Does It Mean?
High blood pressure (also called hypertension) is one of the most common causes of heart disease. The American Heart Association defines high blood pressure as 130 and higher for systolic (the top number) blood pressure, or 80 and higher for diastolic blood pressure. High blood pressure is more common in men under 55 and women who have reached menopause. Your risk of developing hypertension increases as you get older. You are also at higher risk if someone in your family has high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is called the silent killer because it has no noticeable symptoms.
High Blood Pressure Complications to Be Aware Of
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Kidney failure
- Aneurysm
- Dementia
- Vision problems
Make sure to have a blood pressure reading at least once a year when you visit your doctor. If you are concerned about your blood pressure, visit an Urgentology Care clinic today.
Identifying and Understanding Low Blood Pressure
A person is considered to have low blood pressure (hypotension) when their reading is 90/60 or lower. Low blood pressure is less common than high blood pressure, partly because the side effects are instantly noticeable. These may include dizziness, fainting, or lightheadedness. Low blood pressure is most commonly caused by not drinking enough water. Blood loss and taking too much medication are other possible causes.
At Urgentology Care in Arlington, our medical team evaluates low blood pressure by looking at both your numbers and how you feel. We review your medications, recent illnesses, and hydration status, and we check for signs of infection or blood loss that might explain a sudden drop in blood pressure. During your visit, a provider may perform a focused physical exam and may recommend basic in-clinic tests so you understand whether your hypotension is temporary or part of a longer-term pattern that needs follow-up with your primary care provider.
Because low blood pressure can be more serious when it comes on suddenly, patients in Arlington and nearby communities should seek same-day care if they notice new dizziness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or confusion along with a low reading. Our goal is to help you decide whether urgent care is appropriate or whether you need emergency evaluation, so you are not left guessing about the safest next step for your health.
Effective Strategies for Blood Pressure Management in Arlington
You can’t change all of your risks for high blood pressure, but there are some things you can control. Try to cut sodium down to 2,300 mg per day. Exercise regularly; most doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of vigorous activity per day (you can break this up into separate 10- or 15-minute segments if it helps). Enroll in a smoking cessation program if you smoke, and cut down alcohol consumption to one drink (12 oz) a day (two, if you’re a man).
When you visit Urgentology Care for blood pressure concerns, our providers can review your current readings, discuss your daily habits, and help you choose realistic changes you can start right away. We may talk about reading nutrition labels for hidden salt, planning short walking breaks during the day, and setting up a simple home blood pressure monitoring routine so you can track your numbers over time. This personalized approach helps connect general advice to your actual schedule, meals, and stressors in Arlington.
Many patients also want to understand when medications become part of blood pressure treatment and what to expect if a new medicine is started. During your visit, we can explain common categories of blood pressure medications in clear terms, review possible side effects, and coordinate with your primary care provider if a long-term prescription is needed. By combining lifestyle changes with appropriate medical therapy and follow-up, blood pressure management becomes more manageable and less overwhelming.
When To Visit Urgentology Care for Blood Pressure Concerns
It can be difficult to know when an abnormal blood pressure reading needs the convenience of urgent care versus an emergency room or a routine primary care appointment. As a general rule, very high readings that are new for you, especially when paired with symptoms like headache, chest discomfort, or shortness of breath, should not be ignored. In Arlington, many patients stop by Urgentology Care after noticing repeated high numbers at home, at a pharmacy kiosk, or during a wellness screening at work.
What To Expect During a Blood Pressure Visit at Urgentology Care
Knowing what will happen during a visit can make it easier to seek care when you are worried about your blood pressure. When you arrive at Urgentology Care, our front desk team will complete a brief check-in and then a medical assistant will take you to an exam room to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and other vital signs. We make sure you are seated comfortably with your arm supported, which helps give a more accurate reading than a rushed measurement taken on the go.
After reviewing your initial numbers and medical history, a provider will talk with you about your concerns and any symptoms you are experiencing. They may examine your heart and lungs, look for swelling in your legs, and ask questions about your family history, sleep, diet, and activity level. Depending on your situation, we may recommend basic in-clinic tests such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) or lab work to help rule out other causes of your symptoms, especially if you have additional risk factors for heart disease.
Before you leave, we will review your results in clear language and outline the next steps, which may include home blood pressure checks, follow-up with your primary care provider, medication adjustments, or a return visit to urgent care if your numbers change.
Get Professional Blood Pressure Management at Urgentology Care in Arlington Book an Appointment or walk in for immediate assistance.
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