From stress and arguments to tight deadlines and feeling overwhelmed, we all experience moments of high blood pressure. While occasional spikes are common, if this becomes a frequent issue, it’s time to take action. Our team at AFC Urgent Care understands how high blood pressure can affect your heart health, and we want to help you navigate your condition. Stop by and talk to our staff, and we’ll help you learn how to treat it.

What Happens When You Have High Blood Pressure?

“Blood pressure” is the pressure of your blood as it courses through your arteries. When your blood pressure is too high, it causes extra force on the artery walls as it pumps through your body. This strain on the arteries can eventually lead to heart-related health issues.

Unfortunately, high blood pressure doesn’t usually present any warning signs, so it’s important to have your blood pressure monitored regularly.

Blood Pressure Ranges

According to the American Heart Association, here are the ranges for healthy and unhealthy blood pressure:

● Normal—Less than 120 and less than 80
● Elevated—120 to 129 and less than 80
● High Blood Pressure (Stage 1 Hypertension)—130 to 139 AND 80 to 89
● High Blood Pressure (Stage 2 Hypertension)—140 or Higher AND 90 or Higher
● Hypertensive Crisis—Higher than 180 AND/OR Higher than 120

High Blood Pressure Treatment

Depending on your blood pressure, the recommended treatment may vary. If your numbers are slightly elevated, lifestyle changes may be enough to manage it. However, if the condition is more serious, medications may be needed to help lower it and keep it within the normal range.

Tips to Manage Blood Pressure

● Retain a sound body weight.
● Eat nutritiously.
● Exercise frequently.
● Diminish your stress.
● Give up smoking.
● Decrease sodium intake.
● Restrict the amount of alcohol you consume.
● Abstain from or reduce caffeine.

If it’s been a while since you checked your blood pressure, make your way to AFC Urgent Care of Dalton for a blood pressure screening – no appointment required.