High Blood Pressure: When You Should Seek Care

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent but serious condition affecting nearly half of American adults. In Jacksonville and across Northeast Florida, where heart disease remains a leading cause of death, understanding the risks and knowing when to seek care is critical.

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure occurs when the force of blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high, making your heart work harder to pump blood. Over time, this can damage your arteries and lead to heart disease, stroke or kidney failure.

Blood pressure is measured in two numbers:

• Systolic pressure: The force when your heart pumps blood into the arteries.
• Diastolic pressure: The force when your heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension is diagnosed when readings consistently reach 130/80 mm Hg or higher.

Why High Blood Pressure Matters in Northeast Florida

In Florida, heart disease and stroke are among the top health concerns, with hypertension being a major contributing factor. According to the Florida Department of Health, nearly 35% of adults in the state have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, and many more remain undiagnosed. The warm climate and active lifestyle in Jacksonville can help, but factors like diet, stress and access to health care play a significant role in managing this condition.

When High Blood Pressure Becomes an Emergency

High blood pressure can escalate into a hypertensive crisis, which is classified into two categories:

1. Hypertensive Urgency: Blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mm Hg but without immediate organ damage. This requires prompt medical attention.
2. Hypertensive Emergency: Blood pressure exceeds 180/120 mm Hg and causes organ damage, such as a stroke, heart attack or kidney failure. This is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate emergency care.

Signs of a Hypertensive Emergency

If you experience any of the following symptoms, head to the nearest emergency room immediately or call 911:

• Chest pain
• Confusion or blurry vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Severe headache
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures

At UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers in Jacksonville, our team is equipped to handle hypertensive emergencies with advanced diagnostics and treatment.

When to Visit for High Blood Pressure

If your high blood pressure isn’t accompanied by emergency symptoms, we can still provide timely assistance. Consider visiting for:

• A sudden spike in blood pressure (e.g., above 180/120 mm Hg) without severe symptoms.
• Difficulty managing your blood pressure, such as missed medication doses or inconsistent readings.
• General blood pressure checks or advice on lifestyle changes.

How to Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure

1. Adopt a heart-healthy diet: Reduce salt intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day, ideally 1,500 milligrams. Include potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, spinach and beans.
2. Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
3. Maintain healthy weight: Losing even 5% to 10% of your body weight can lower blood pressure.
4. Limit alcohol and quit smoking: Keep alcohol intake moderate and avoid smoking to improve heart health.
5. Manage stress: Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation or deep breathing.
6. Monitor your blood pressure: Regular checkups are essential for early detection and management.

Don’t let high blood pressure go unchecked. Regular monitoring, healthy lifestyle choices, and knowing when to seek care can make all the difference. If you’re in Jacksonville or the surrounding Northeast Florida region, trust UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Centers to provide expert care.