High Blood Pressure: When It’s an Emergency

Left untreated, high blood pressure can quietly damage your heart, blood vessels, and organs over time.

Premier ER & Urgent Care regularly sees patients dealing with high blood pressure at our locations across Central Texas. Sometimes it’s a routine issue that can be managed in urgent care. Other times, it’s a life-threatening emergency.

Knowing how blood pressure affects your body, and when to seek help are the first steps in protecting your health.

How Blood Pressure Works

Your heart pumps blood through arteries, veins, and capillaries to deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Blood pressure is the force of that blood against your artery walls.

It’s measured with two numbers:

• Systolic pressure (the top number) – pressure when your heart beats.
• Diastolic pressure (the bottom number) – pressure when your heart rests.

A normal reading is below 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is defined as 130/80 mm Hg or higher. Over time, elevated readings can scar artery walls, encourage plaque buildup, and increase your risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease.

Signs of High Blood Pressure

Most people with hypertension have no symptoms. That’s why it’s often called the “silent killer.”

When symptoms do appear, they may include:

• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds

Why High Blood Pressure Matters in Central Texas

In McLennan County and surrounding areas, lifestyle factors like high-salt diets, stress, obesity, and limited physical activity can increase the risk of hypertension. Add in Texas heat, which can worsen dehydration and put strain on the heart, and it’s easy to see why monitoring blood pressure is so important for Central Texans.

High Blood Pressure: When to Seek Medical Attention

High blood pressure can be unpredictable—sometimes it’s a manageable condition, and other times it signals a dangerous spike that requires immediate care. The important thing to remember is that you should never ignore concerning symptoms. That’s where Premier ER & Urgent Care comes in. With both urgent care and emergency services under one roof, you don’t have to decide where to go. Just walk in, and our team will guide you to the right level of care.

Seek medical help right away if you experience:

• Severe headache
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Blurred vision or confusion
• Nausea or vomiting
• Seizures

Managing Blood Pressure at Home

The good news is that lifestyle changes can make a big difference:

• Eat smart: Cut back on salt, eat potassium-rich foods (like bananas and beans), and focus on whole foods.
• Exercise regularly: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Even modest weight loss lowers blood pressure.
• Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Both reduce strain on your heart.
• Manage stress: Try deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.
• Check your blood pressure often: Home monitors and regular clinic visits keep you informed.

The Bottom Line

High blood pressure doesn’t always feel urgent until it is. That’s why Central Texas families trust Premier ER & Urgent Care. If you ever feel unsure whether it’s urgent care or an emergency, come in. We’ll make the call and get you the right care immediately.