High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is known as a silent killer because you can have it for years without knowing it. At Apple Urgent Care, the experienced medical team offers blood pressure screenings as part of your preventive health care plan. They also customize a treatment plan to manage elevated blood pressure levels to reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications. Call the office, book an appointment online, or visit the Hemet, Colton, Indio, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino, Coachella, Perris, or Riverside, California, location as a walk-in today to schedule a high blood pressure screening. 

What is high blood pressure?

Your blood pressure is the measurement of the force of your blood against the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure (hypertension) means that your pressure levels are elevated, which can increase your risk for blood vessel damage and other complications.

There are two types of high blood pressure conditions:

Primary hypertension

Primary hypertension, also known as Essential Hypertension, describes high blood pressure that develops for no identifiable cause. The condition generally develops over many years as plaque builds up and hardens on your arteries, affecting blood flow.

Secondary hypertension

Secondary hypertension results from underlying health issues. This type of high blood pressure can develop suddenly due to kidney disease, thyroid disorders, or the use of over-the-counter cold medications, birth control pills, or illegal drugs.

Apple Urgent Care offers comprehensive care for high blood pressure in adults and children. The medical team provides preventive blood pressure screenings, diagnostic evaluations, and customized care plans to prevent heart attack, stroke, and other hypertension complications.

How do I know I have high blood pressure?

You can have high blood pressure for many years without knowing it because it usually causes no symptoms until your pressure levels are high.

If you have risk factors for high blood pressure, Apple Urgent Care can check your blood pressure during a preventive screening. Risk factors can include:

• Aging
• Obesity
• Stress
• Smoking
• High-salt diet
• Lack of exercise
• Excessive alcohol use
• Family history of hypertension

You should also schedule a diagnostic evaluation if you experience warning signs of high blood pressure, such as frequent headaches and shortness of breath.

How is high blood pressure treated?

Initially, your treatment plan for high blood pressure may focus on lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure levels naturally. These changes may include:

• Quitting smoking
• Weight loss
• Daily exercise
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Eating a heart-healthy diet
• Practicing relaxation techniques

If these strategies aren’t controlling your blood pressure levels, the Apple Urgent Care team can prescribe medications to relax your blood vessels so blood can flow more efficiently. 

Call Apple Urgent Care, book an appointment online, or visit the clinic location near you as a walk-in today to get screened for high blood pressure.