Hypertension Explained
Hypertension is persistently high blood pressure that a person can have without showing noticeable symptoms. When arteries are narrowed and blood is forced through at a high pressure, over time there can be damage to the artery walls. This can lead to serious medical conditions, such as heart disease. Often, the only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, we check all of our patients’ blood pressure to screen for any signs of hypertension.
“There are times a patient comes in for something minor like stitches and then we discover a more urgent concern with his blood pressure levels,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We highly recommend an annual blood pressure checkup to watch for any early signs of hypertension.”
What kind of health conditions can be caused by hypertension1?
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Vision loss
- Kidney failure
- Sexual dysfunction
What do the numbers mean?
When you have your blood pressure checked, two numbers are recorded: the systolic and diastolic measurements. The systolic, or first number, measures the pressure of the blood in your arteries while the heart beats. The second number is the diastolic measurement. It tells you what the pressure is like when your heart rests between beats. If the systolic measurement is 120 and the diastolic is 80, it is reported to be “120 over 80.”
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
According to the CDC, a normal blood pressure rate would be less than 120/80 mmHg. An elevated rate would be 120 to 129 over 80. And a hypertension rate would be 130 or higher, and higher than 80 diastolic.
A hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical care would be a reading higher than 180/120.
“If you’re taking your blood pressure at home and you find it is in a hypertension stage, come in to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away,” said Dr. Khan. “We will check your blood pressure again and will give you a complete examination.”
How do I check my blood pressure at home?
You can easily obtain a digital blood pressure machine at most stores. Take your blood pressure consistently twice a day, such as at the same time in the morning and evening. Do not eat, drink or smoke for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure and don’t exercise. Be quiet for 5 minutes before taking it.
Sit straight at a table with your feet flat on the floor and your arm resting on the table with the upper arm at the height of your heart. Place the blood pressure cuff on your bare arm just above the elbow. Don’t talk while you take the reading. Wait one minute and take another reading to compare. Record your measurements on a sheet of paper with the time and date, or a log.
Treatment for hypertension
“Take your blood pressure every day, twice a day and keep a log,” said Dr. Khan. “Make sure you are under a doctor’s supervision. Your physician may prescribe medication to manage your blood pressure. Also, you can start to make some lifestyle changes that can help lower your blood pressure.”
Lifestyle changes we recommend:
- Regular exercise
- Diet low in sodium – under 1,500 mg a day
- Lose weight / maintain a healthy weight
- Eat healthier – low fat, more fruits and vegetables
- Limit alcohol
- Don’t smoke
- Get plenty of sleep
What will Medco ER & Urgent Care do for me?
If your blood pressure is too high or perhaps even too low, we can evaluate it and examine you to determine the best course of action. If you take a reading at home and it is in the hypertension range, come in and we will examine you and craft a treatment plan that’s right for you. We are open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure you have easy access to top quality medical care.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure
The 7 Biggest Advantages of a Freestanding ER Over a Hospital ER
Have you ever wondered how a freestanding emergency room differs from an attached hospital ER? The answers may surprise you.
In recent years, freestanding ERs have skyrocketed in popularity in the greater Dallas Fort Worth region as people realize the landslide of advantages freestanding ERs offer over hospital ERs. Since freestanding ERs can address almost all common emergency conditions that you or your family may encounter, the benefits are worth noting.
Here are the top 7 advantages of a freestanding ER:
1. No wait time
Emergencies don’t wait and neither should you. Waiting in a crowded, possibly germ-filled waiting room is a chore that the freestanding ERs have eliminated. Within minutes upon your arrival, you can be shown to a private room. A physician will be immediately alerted to your needs. Our locations are squeaky clean and we always keep patients at safe distances from one another.
2. More face-to-face time with the doctor
Less time waiting and more time spent talking with the doctor is one of the most important benefits of going to a freestanding ER. “Our patients are our top priority. We make sure we can spend all the time you need to make sure you get some of the highest quality care available,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora.
3. Board-certified physicians standing by
Unlike hospital ERs, you won’t be seen by a physician assistant (PA), medical assistant (MA) or a certified nurse practitioner (CNP). At Medco ER & Urgent Care, you have immediate access to a board-certified physician with years of experience in treating emergency conditions.
4. On-site imaging equipment and labs
Our fast-result labs are available on-site to aid in proper diagnostic and treatment. Getting the answers right away for your medical questions can help speed you on the way to recovery. Cardiac labs are available to diagnose urgent heart conditions. Imaging equipment such as X-rays, EKG and ultrasounds are in-house for fast and accurate diagnosis of your medical condition.
5. Efficient billing
We accept most insurance plans at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our billing department understands the ins and outs of a myriad of insurance benefits and billing requirements. We will work with you to provide all the help you need to understand your bill and the next steps to take. We do not bill patients for the difference between in-network and out-of-network reimbursement, so there are no unwelcome surprises in your bill.
6. Concierge service
Our hospitality service offers complimentary beverages and snacks. The person who drove you or accompanied you will appreciate our clean waiting room stocked with refreshments. If appropriate, you may also enjoy snacks and a sports drink to unwind and rehydrate during your visit.
7. Courtesy call directly from the doctor after your ER visit
You will be pleased to receive a follow-up phone call from your doctor after you visit our emergency room. We want to track your progress and make sure you are on your way to feeling better.
Which freestanding ER should I go to?
When it comes to receiving fast, friendly and excellent medical care, it’s important to choose the freestanding ER with a stellar reputation. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we’re proud of our top star ratings that showcase our quality healthcare services.
When you are dealing with an emergency or urgent condition, you need the freestanding ER that’s readily available. “We’re open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure you have the quality care you need at just the right time,” said Dr. Vora.
Where can I find a Medco ER & Urgent Care?
For fast medical help, Medco ER & Urgent Care is available in two convenient locations close to home and work. Visit us any time at:
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road. Call us @ 469-392-4000.
- Frisco: 5600 Eldorado Parkway across from McDonald’s and Costco. Call us @ 469-392-4100.