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High blood pressure testing and management

MinuteClinic® provides testing and support that focuses on holistic heart health. Meet with a provider anytime anywhere with virtual and in-person appointments.

A MinuteClinic provider checks a person’s blood pressure.

Why MinuteClinic® for blood pressure support?

Many people have high blood pressure (hypertension) without having symptoms. Our providers can check your blood pressure, help you start treatment if you need it and help you manage your condition.

  • Same-day in-person and virtual appointments available for most services
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • A focus on holistic heart health that addresses other related risk factors like blood sugar, cholesterol and weight 

We can help you get checked, start treatment and keep track with ongoing monitoring. Our providers will help you through each step, giving you the care you need. By choosing MinuteClinic, you're taking charge of your blood pressure and your health.

Let us help you get ahead of hypertension

Know your numbers

At your visit, a MinuteClinic provider will review your health history and lifestyle. They’ll perform an exam and any needed tests, such as:

  • Blood pressure check
  • Blood test (for cholesterol and kidney function)
  • Body mass index (BMI) check

They’ll discuss the results with you and provide next steps. With your permission, they can share the summary with another health care provider.

Schedule a screening
A MinuteClinic provider checks a person’s blood pressure.

48% of American adults have high blood pressure

 

Nearly 120 million adults have hypertension* but only 27 million have it under control. People don't always have symptoms, so they may not realize it's being untreated.

Illustration of a blood pressure monitor and a tablet.
A MinuteClinic provider goes over a person’s treatment plan with them.

Get a personalized treatment plan

If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your MinuteClinic provider will create a personalized plan just for you. It will include healthy changes you can make to help manage your condition. If needed, they’ll also prescribe medication, which may include the following:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Diuretics
Schedule a treatment visit

Stay on track

Help keep your blood pressure under control with regular monitoring. MinuteClinic providers can refill or update prescriptions and routinely check blood pressure. 

While convenient for in-between visits, you shouldn’t rely on at-home monitoring to replace monitoring with professional equipment. It’s important to check in regularly with a health care provider. If they instruct you to monitor your blood pressure at home, you can bring the readings to your next appointment.

Schedule a check-in
A person uses a home monitoring device to measure their blood pressure while on Virtual Care call with a MinuteClinic provider.

How does a MinuteClinic visit work?

Icon of a map pin.

In-person check-in

If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment.

If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

Have a seat in the waiting area. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.

Icon of a smartphone.

Virtual visit check-in

To join your MinuteClinic Virtual Care® visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. 

Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

Icon of a health care provider.

Meet with your provider

Your provider will conduct an examination. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.

At the end of your visit, you’ll receive a visit summary about your diagnosis, a receipt and educational material. We can send information about your visit to your primary care provider.

Frequently asked questions

For primary hypertension, the cause is unclear but it usually develops slowly over many years.

Secondary hypertension develops as a result of another health condition or a medication. Some health conditions and medications that may lead to hypertension* include the following:

  • Adrenal gland tumors
  • Birth control pills
  • Certain pain relievers
  • Certain prescription medications
  • Congenital heart defects
  • Cough and cold medicines
  • Illegal drugs like amphetamines and cocaine
  • Kidney disease
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
  • Thyroid problems

In addition, a person is more likely to develop high blood pressure if a parent or sibling has it.

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a medical condition where blood pushes too hard against blood vessel walls. This can cause damage to the heart and other parts of the body over time. When blood pressure is high, the heart has to work harder, which can lead to health problems like heart disease.

It can take several weeks to lower blood pressure. Healthy habits and medication can help keep blood pressure in a healthy range, but results may vary.

There are multiple types of medications used to treat hypertension,* including the following:

  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
  • Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
  • Beta-blockers
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Diuretics

Blood pressure readings measure two numbers: systolic and diastolic. They appear together as a fraction, with the systolic number on top.

  • Systolic pressure (top number) is the pressure that blood exerts against artery walls during heartbeats.
  • Diastolic pressure (bottom number) is the pressure  blood exerts against  artery walls while the heart is resting between beats.

Systolic blood pressure gradually rises in most people because large arteries become increasingly stiff, plaque builds up over time, and cardiac and vascular diseases increase with age. Both systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure readings can indicate risk factors towards a cardiovascular event.

Following an exam, a MinuteClinic provider will discuss the results with you. The table below identifies the five blood pressure ranges* recognized in the United States.

CategoryReadingRecommendation
NormalLess than 120 / 80 mm Hg  If you're in this category, keep up heart-healthy habits, such as following a balanced diet and regular physical activity.
Elevated120-129 / less than 80 mm HgIf you're in this category, keep up heart-healthy habits, such as following a balanced diet and regular physical activity.

Hypertension stage 1

130-139 / 80–89 mm HgIf you have this reading, you may have hypertension and may need to take steps to modify your diet and lifestyle. Get support from a medical professional and reassess your condition every three to six months.

Hypertension stage 2

140–179 / 90–119 mm Hg

If you have this reading, you should seek clinical support, because immediate changes in your life (including home monitoring of this condition) may be needed. Your condition should be assessed every month until a clinically advised blood pressure goal is met.
Severe hypertension180 / 120 mm Hg or higherPatients with severe hypertension or hypertensive crisis could be having a medical emergency and should seek emergency care.
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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