High blood pressure is a silent killer affecting millions. Learn how RCL center protects your health.

High Blood Pressure in Houston: Why Primary Care Matters

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is one of the most common chronic health conditions in the United States—and Houston is no exception. Often called the “silent killer,” high blood pressure can damage the heart, kidneys, and brain without showing obvious symptoms.

At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, our primary care team helps patients manage blood pressure through regular checkups, preventive care, and lifestyle guidance. And when symptoms worsen suddenly, our urgent care clinic is ready to provide same-day treatment.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against your artery walls. A normal reading is around 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures above 130/80 mmHg.

Over time, uncontrolled blood pressure increases the risk of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Vision problems

Risk Factors for Hypertension

Certain factors increase the risk of developing high blood pressure:

• Family history
• Being overweight or obese
• High salt intake
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking or excessive alcohol use
• Chronic stress
• Other health conditions like diabetes or kidney disease

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

Most people have no symptoms, which is why it is called the “silent killer.” However, in some cases patients may experience:

• Severe headaches
• Blurred vision
• Shortness of breath
• Nosebleeds
• Dizziness

If symptoms appear suddenly, it may signal a hypertensive crisis—a medical emergency requiring urgent care.

How Primary Care Manages Hypertension

Primary care plays a crucial role in controlling blood pressure:

• Regular screenings: Checking blood pressure at annual visits.
• Lifestyle counseling: Guidance on diet, exercise, and stress management.
• Medications: Prescriptions to keep blood pressure under control.
• Chronic condition monitoring: Managing related conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

When to Visit Urgent Care for High Blood Pressure

Urgent care may be necessary if blood pressure rises suddenly and severely, especially if accompanied by:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headache
• Confusion or vision changes

At RCL Urgent Care, our providers can:

• Perform on-site blood pressure checks
• Provide IV medications if needed
• Run lab tests to check kidney and heart function
• Stabilize your condition and refer you to a specialist if necessary

Preventing High Blood Pressure in Houston Families

Prevention is possible with the right care plan:

• Eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods
• Exercise regularly at least 30 minutes a day
• Manage stress through mindfulness or counseling
• Avoid smoking and excessive drinking
• Visit your primary care provider regularly for blood pressure checks

The RCL Advantage for Blood Pressure Care

At RCL, we understand that hypertension is not just a number—it affects the whole person. That’s why our care includes:

• Bilingual providers (English & Spanish) to serve Houston’s Hispanic community
• Primary care + urgent care under one roof for seamless treatment
• Personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s lifestyle and health needs
• Integrated behavioral health support, since stress and anxiety play a major role in hypertension

FAQs

Q: How often should I check my blood pressure?
A: Adults should check at least once a year. If you have hypertension, your doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring.

Q: Can stress really raise blood pressure?
A: Yes. Chronic stress can trigger temporary spikes and lead to long-term hypertension if not managed.

Q: What is considered dangerously high blood pressure?
A: A reading of 180/120 mmHg or higher is a hypertensive crisis and requires immediate urgent care.

Schedule Your Visit Today

If you or a loved one struggles with high blood pressure in Houston, RCL is here to help. Our primary care providersoffer long-term management, while our urgent care team is ready for emergencies.

📞 Call us at 713-769-0096 or visit www.rclcenter.com to schedule your appointment or walk in today.