Can Urgent Cares Treat High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)?

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is an extraordinarily common medical condition that occurs when the force of blood against the artery walls is too high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), high blood pressure affects nearly 50% of American adults, and only about 24% of diagnosed adults have their condition under control. These startling facts raise a good question—if you’re among the tens of millions of Americans living with high blood pressure, where can you go for prompt medical treatment and expert advice?

Ideally, people with hypertension should visit a primary care physician on a routine basis, but these practices are often booked for several days in advance and aren’t a viable choice when you need timely, same-day expertise. That’s where urgent care centers come in! Reputable, physician-led urgent care centers like Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care can provide walk-in treatment for episodes of high blood pressure, as well as blood pressure readings, advice regarding hypertension medication, tips for at-home management, and more.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Hypertension can sometimes progress to a hypertensive emergency that requires immediate care in a hospital setting. A blood pressure reading higher than 180/120 is widely considered a hypertensive emergency, and it can lead to organ failure or death by skyrocketing the risk of stroke and heart failure.

Not every life-threatening case of hypertension causes noticeable symptoms, but some people may experience shortness of breath, headaches, or nosebleeds. Be sure to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone around you is experiencing a hypertensive emergency or symptoms of cardiovascular distress, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, upper body discomfort, or sudden dizziness.

Hypertension Treatment at Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care

Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care’s network of immediate care centers in Connecticut and New York provides same-day treatment to individuals with non-life-threatening cases of high blood pressure. An affiliate of Tufts Medical Center and Yale New Haven Health, our practice is led by skilled physicians and clinicians who can:

• Perform blood pressure readings and physical exams
• Help correct blood pressure levels through medications
• Order and interpret any necessary clinical labs
• Refer patients to specialists or emergency rooms, when appropriate

In response to the rapidly changing needs of the communities we serve, Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care now offers 24/7 telehealth services. Our Virtual Visits are a convenient way for patients with hypertension to consult with our experts from the comfort of home any time of day or night. It’s simple—just schedule an appointment on our website and chat with a medical professional about your symptoms, ways to manage blood pressure at home, or any general health concerns you may have. If necessary, we may send a prescription to your preferred pharmacy for pickup or recommend in-person follow-up care.

Let’s Get in Touch

You’ll always have somewhere to turn for expert advice regarding hypertension or any other routine medical condition as a Yale New Haven Health Urgent Care patient. Stop by one of our fully equipped urgent care centers today or reserve a Video Visit online. Have questions? Give us a call at 1-860-650-3848.