High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure means the force of blood against the artery walls stays too high. Most people have no high blood pressure symptoms, which is why it is called the silent killer. Very high readings with symptoms need emergency care.

What Is It

Doctors call it hypertension. A normal reading is under 120 over 80. Readings of 130 over 80 or higher, measured more than once, are high. Age, family history, salt, alcohol, stress, poor sleep, and extra weight raise the risk. Pain, anxiety, and some cold medicines can raise a single reading.

Symptoms

Often no symptoms at all
Headache, usually only with very high readings
Nosebleeds
Blurred vision
Dizziness
Chest pain or shortness of breath, which is an emergency

Not sure your headache is from blood pressure? Most headaches are not caused by high blood pressure. Nosebleeds are usually from dry air, not blood pressure.

Treatment

At your visit: Blood pressure should be rechecked after you rest, and a provider looks for warning signs. Treatment may include medicine, and ongoing care is best managed with a primary care provider.

At home:

Check your blood pressure at the same time each day, after 5 minutes of rest
Cut back on salt, alcohol, and processed foods
Walk or exercise most days
Take your blood pressure medicine every day, even when you feel fine

Blood pressure control is long term, and small changes add up.

When to Get Care for High Blood Pressure

Watch at Home

One high reading that is normal on a recheck after rest
Readings slightly above 130 over 80 with no symptoms
Taking your medicine as prescribed

Come to Urgent Care Today

Readings of 160 over 100 or higher more than once
Readings of 180 over 120 or higher with no symptoms, after a recheck
Out of blood pressure medicine
A high reading with a mild headache
New high readings during pregnancy

Go to the Emergency Department

Readings of 180 over 120 or higher with chest pain or shortness of breath
Weakness or numbness on one side, a drooping face, or trouble speaking
Severe headache, confusion, or vision changes
High blood pressure during or after pregnancy with headache or swelling

FAQ

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?

High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms. Very high readings can cause headache, blurred vision, nosebleeds, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

What blood pressure is too high?

Blood pressure of 130 over 80 or higher on repeat checks is high. A reading of 180 over 120 or higher is a crisis and needs care right away.

What should I do if my blood pressure is high?

If your blood pressure is high, sit quietly for 5 minutes and recheck it. If it stays high, get it checked. Call 911 if you have chest pain or stroke signs.

Can high blood pressure cause headaches?

High blood pressure can cause headaches, but usually only when readings are very high. Most headaches are not caused by blood pressure.

Can urgent care treat high blood pressure?

Yes, urgent care can check and treat high blood pressure. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can recheck your reading and look for warning signs.

When is high blood pressure an emergency?

High blood pressure is an emergency when a reading of 180 over 120 or higher comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, confusion, vision changes, or stroke signs.

Last reviewed October 2026