Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeEditor PicksWhen To Seek Medical Attention For High Blood Pressure

When To Seek Medical Attention For High Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure Symptoms You Shouldnt Ignore

4 Unusual causes of HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE Your doctor may not have checked

Caregiver Duties Aging & Health

If youre worried about developing high blood pressure or youve already been diagnosed with this condition, you may be wondering what symptoms to watch out for.

While the symptoms described here may indicate a high blood pressure crisis, its also very important to understand that a persons blood pressure can be dangerously high and yet there are no symptoms at all, notes retired emergency physician Ben Hippen. This is why high blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer.

For this reason, its important to monitor your blood pressure often. When youre at your doctors office, or even at the pharmacy, take a few minutes to stick your arm in the cuff and get a reading. If you can afford it and will actually use it, a home blood pressure monitor is a worthwhile investment.

Treating High Blood Pressure With Medicines

If lifestyle changes don’t lower your blood pressure to your goal, you may need to take daily medicines as well.

Medicines controlbut usually don’t curehigh blood pressure. So you will probably need to take them for the rest of your life. Most people need to take two or more medicines.

  • High Blood Pressure: Should I Take Medicine?

Some people find it hard to take their medicines properly. They may feel it’s too much troubleespecially when they don’t feel sick. Or they’re worried about side effects. Some people find it hard to keep track of when and how to take their medicines.

If you have trouble taking high blood pressure medicines for any reason, talk to your doctor.

Read more about Tyrell and why he started taking his medicines properly.

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention For High Blood Pressure Currently Mines Is 170/120

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Don’t Miss: How To Control High Blood Pressure Immediately At Home

What Causes High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure causes are usually related to medical conditions, diet and lifestyle, although an exact explanation cannot always be determined. Being overweight, consuming too much salt, not exercising regularly, smoking and drinking to excess can all be causes of high blood pressure, as can underlying health conditions including diabetes, kidney disease and hormone problems. Certain medicines may also lead to high blood pressure2.

Some individuals may be at an increased risk of high blood pressure. This includes overweight individuals, smokers, those with long-term sleep deprivation and those with a family history of high blood pressure. Individuals from an African or Caribbean origin also have a higher risk of developing hypertension, as do older individuals as the risk increases as you age.

What To Think About

DIET WHAT IT REALLY MEANS!!!!!!!!: Understanding Blood ...
  • The medicine your doctor chooses may be based on other health problems you have. For example, doctors often prescribe ACE inhibitors for people who have diabetes or heart failure.
  • Some people who get a cough while taking ACE inhibitors do well with ARBs, which usually don’t cause a cough.
  • You may need to avoid some over-the-counter medicines. For example, check with your doctor before you take any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofenwith high blood pressure medicines. NSAIDs may raise blood pressure and keep your blood pressure medicines from working well. NSAIDs may also interact with your blood pressure medicine and cause kidney problems.
  • Don’t take any other prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, or other natural health products unless you talk to your doctor first. Medicines can interact with each other and keep blood pressure medicines from working right or cause a bad reaction.

Also Check: What Happens When Blood Pressure Is Too High

Regular Blood Pressure Checks

All adults should have their blood pressure checked regularly.footnote 2

Your doctor can let you know how often you should get your blood pressure checked. It may depend on what your blood pressure is and your risk for heart disease. You can get your blood pressure checked during any routine medical visit.

The automated devices you find in grocery stores or drugstores may not be accurate. Having your blood pressure checked at the doctor’s office is best.

A home blood pressure monitor makes it easy to keep track of your blood pressure. It’s a good idea to bring your home monitor to the doctor’s office to check its accuracy.

When Is Your Blood Pressure High To The Point I Need To Seek Medical Attention

Asked
30 Dec 2014 by Paulener
7 January 2015
Topics
, depression, high blood pressure, headache, sertraline, hypertension, anxiety and stress, medical, blood pressure, blood, pressure

Over last 3 days it’s been fluctuating. I just woke up again feeling funny and I checked it. It’s 150/136. I’m watching it but headache is intense. I’ve taken 20 mg of Bystolic and 100mg of Sertraline for calmness. I don’t feel stressed but I do have alot going on. Just wondering if meds don’t work when should medical attention become my next option. Other readings have been 165/130, 157/110, 168/138.149/100. Then 129/87, 135/98, 145/88 etc. hope this summarization help you to help me. What reading is high enough to be concerned.

kaismama

Seek help now. What is bothering me is that diastolic number. It should be around 80, and over 100 is problematic. Its stayed up, its not something that’s just happening this one time. Call your dr and ask what to do. They’ll either tell you to get your butt in there or they’ll order something for you. But it can’t stay like that. Do you seem to have fluid in your ankles?

+2jelly22

My opinion is seek help now! If you can’t get a hold of your doctor, go to the ER. Please keep us posted as to how your doing.

God Bless and take care

+1clarkm1031

I am not a doctor and but I know thta is way to high. My bloody fluctuates also 132/85, 137/87 and my doctor wants my blood pressure regulated. Seek medical advice and keep a log.

+0

Also Check: What Do I Do If My Blood Pressure Is High

Risk Factors For Hypertension

There are a number of factors that can put you at a greater risk for developing hypertension.

If you are aware of these risk factors and understand how they can affect you, you may be less likely to develop high blood pressure or know you can help control it.

  • Family History: If you have a close blood relative with HBP, you are at a greater risk of developing it yourself.
  • Age: The older you get, the more likely you are to be diagnosed with HBP.
  • Gender: Males are more likely to develop HBP before the age of 65. Women tend to develop hypertension over the age of 65.
  • Race: More than 4 in 10 African-Americans suffer from high blood pressure. Hypertension in these individuals usually occurs earlier in life and is much more severe.
  • Diabetes: More than 3 in 4 people with Diabetes are also diagnosed with Hypertension.
  • Lifestyle: The choices you make can decrease your risk of developing hypertension. These factors include diet, exercise, being overweight and the use of alcohol and tobacco. The good news is that, unlike the others, these risk factors can be changed.

What Is High Blood Pressure/hypertension

“I have high blood pressure, what can I do?”

Our heart pumps blood in our entire body. As it travels, the blood supplies oxygen to the bodys vital organs. Sometimes, a problem in the body makes it difficult for the heart to pump the blood, for example, when the artery becomes too narrow, etc.

High blood pressure is when your blood pressure, the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high. It can lead to a variety of health problems, some of which can be life-threatening.

Read Also: Why Take Blood Pressure In Left Arm

When Should You Go To The Er For High Blood Pressure

Complications caused by hypertension , is one of the most common reasons for emergency room visits. Elevated blood pressure levels can cause substantial damage to our bodies and lead to conditions that can become life-threatening.

Knowing when to seek immediate emergency care can help you avoid delays in getting medical attention, and decrease your risk of developing severe complications caused by extremely high blood pressure.

According to the American Heart Association, when blood pressure levels increase severely and reach measurements of 180/110 or greater, you should seek immediate medical attention.

There are other warning signs coupled with high blood pressure that indicate you are having a hypertensive crisis and require emergency care. Signs and symptoms may include:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe headaches accompanied by blurred vision and confusion
  • Seizures
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe anxiety

The cause of a severe spike in your blood pressure and these symptoms could be the result of missing your blood pressure medications, a stroke, a heart attack, kidney failure or an artery rupture.

What Do Blood Pressure Numbers Mean

Your blood pressure consists of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. Someone with a systolic pressure of 117 and a diastolic pressure of 78 has a blood pressure of 117/78, or “117 over 78.”

It’s normal for blood pressure to go up and down throughout the day. But if it stays up, you have high blood pressure. Another name for high blood pressure is hypertension.

High blood pressure increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other problems. You and your doctor will talk about your risks of these problems based on your blood pressure.

Your doctor will give you a goal for your blood pressure. Your goal will be based on your health and your age.

In general, the lower your blood pressure, the better. For example, a blood pressure reading of less than 90/60 is healthy as long as you feel okay.

Recommended Reading: What Is Normal Blood Pressure

British Columbia Specific Information

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, can damage your blood vessels, heart and kidneys. This damage can cause a heart attack, stroke or other health problems. Your blood pressure reading is based on two measurements called systolic and diastolic. The systolic and diastolic are written as a ratio, for example . A reading of more than 140/90 mmHg taken at your healthcare providers office may indicate high blood pressure. This figure is different for people with diabetes whose blood pressure should be below 130/80 mmHg. People suffering from other illnesses will have different target normal values. For more information on hypertension, visit the Heart & Stroke Foundation and Hypertension Canada.

Healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your blood pressure and improve your health. For information on healthy eating for lowering your blood pressure, see:

What Is The Treatment For High Blood Pressure In Pregnancy

9 Effective Home Remedies For High Blood Pressure

If you are still early in the pregnancy, your care provider may prescribe you medications to lower your blood pressure and your blood pressure will be closely monitored. You will have regular ultrasounds to follow the growth of the baby. You may need Celestone which is a medication that will help the baby’s lungs mature faster.High blood pressure in pregnancy often slowly gets worse over time until the baby is delivered, so if you are close to your due date, the risks of waiting may outweigh the benefits, and the best option might be to induce labour and deliver the baby.

Management of high blood pressure

  • Blood pressure medication
  • Steroids to help baby’s lungs mature
  • Induction of labour
  • Delivery of baby

You May Like: How Do You Get Your Blood Pressure Down

Living With High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle changes are important to help control high blood pressure, especially if you have other risk factors for coronary artery disease and stroke.

Even if your doctor has prescribed medicine for you, you can still take many steps at home to lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk. Some people can even take less medicine after making these changes.

Pounding In Your Ears

If you have a sensation of pulsing or pounding in your ears when you havent been exercising vigorously, this could indicate an elevated blood pressure. It could also be related to drinking too much caffeine, so try cutting back on the coffee and soda. Anxiety can have the same effect, so try meditation or a relaxing activity to see if the pounding sensation resolves.

Read Also: Can High Blood Pressure Cause Vomiting

High Blood Pressure: When To Seek Emergency Care

May 7, 2020

High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, two leading causes of death for Americans. Tens of millions of adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and many do not have it under control because of rare physical symptoms. That is why it is also known as the silent killer.

In the United States, key findings by the recognized government bodies indicate that:

  • Nearly 1 out of 2 adults have hypertension .
  • Most adults with hypertension do not have their hypertension under control .
  • Most adults with hypertension are recommended prescription medication with lifestyle modifications .

Its important that we share with you to learn about what high blood pressure is, and when you may be having a life-threatening blood pressure complication.

What Are The Symptoms

2 Overlooked and RARE Causes of HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE You Might Guess One of Them

High blood pressure doesn’t usually cause symptoms. Most people don’t know they have it until they go to the doctor for some other reason.

Very high blood pressure can cause severe headaches and vision problems. These symptoms can also be caused by dangerously high blood pressure called malignant high blood pressure. It may also be called a hypertensive crisis or hypertensive emergency. Malignant high blood pressure is a medical emergency.

Also Check: What Is The Va Disability Rating For Hypertensive Heart Disease

When Is High Blood Pressure An Emergency

The term hypertensive crisis is used to describe a quick and severe rise in blood pressure with measurements over 180/120 which can quickly lead to consequences like stroke, heart attack, kidney damage, loss of vision, or respiratory failure.

Unfortunately, some people have very difficult to control high blood pressures despite medication, so we need to consider what is a normal blood pressure for you as we decide what type of hypertensive crisis you are experiencing.

One type of hypertensive crisis is milder and can be treated conservatively as an outpatient. The other is very serious and requires immediate attention to prevent life-threatening complications.

When Is High Blood Pressure Considered A Medical Emergency

There are times when high blood pressure is considered an emergency and requires urgent medical attention. This can occur if your blood pressure rises quickly and severely. Seek emergency care if your blood pressure reading is 180/110 or higher and you have any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of organ damage: Chest pain.

Also Check: How To Take Blood Pressure On Wrist Manually

What Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure Require Immediate Medical Attention

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

What Can Cause A Short

High blood pressure symptoms: Signs you

Things like exercise, stress, and sleeping can affect your blood pressure. Some medicines can cause a spike in blood pressure, including certain asthma medicines and cold remedies.

A low blood pressure reading can be caused by many things, including some medicines, a severe allergic reaction, or an infection. Another cause is dehydration, which is when your body loses too much fluid.

Also Check: What Level Is Low Blood Pressure

High Blood Pressure: Doctor Explains Benefits Of Hibiscus Tea

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes theyll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

High blood pressure is often known as the silent killer, because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms. But if you have hypertension, its essential that you watch out for some key warning signs of a serious complication.

High blood pressure affects about a quarter of all adults in the UK, according to the NHS.

But many people may be living with the condition without even knowing about it.

Usually, the only way of knowing if youre at risk is to have your blood pressure checked.

If you have hypertension, you should look out for some serious warning signs of a hypertensive emergency.

A hypertensive emergency is caused by a sudden spike in blood pressure.

It can lead to damage in the blood vessels and in some vital organs.

Patients with a hypertensive emergency can have blood pressure levels of up to 180/120mmHg.

You should get immediate medical attention if youre worried about the signs of a hypertensive emergency.

DONT MISSHigh blood pressure: Expert details salty foods to avoid High blood pressure: Paraesthesia is a sign High blood pressure: Fruits to lower readings

Some people with high blood pressure will experience sharp rises in their blood pressure.

What Is A Hypertensive Crisis

A hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure is so high. It can inflame your blood vessels and impair the ability of your cardiovascular system to work as it should, putting you at risk for stroke, heart attack, or other severe illness.

Image Source heart.org

There are two stages of a hypertensive crisis: emergency and urgency. Both require immediate attention as early evaluation of organ function is critical to determine an appropriate course of action.

Hypertensive emergency is when your blood pressure is over 180 or 120 . It is a real life-threatening emergency with impending target-organ-damage in the heart, brain, kidney, and large blood vessels. Severe conditions, such as ischemic heart failure, acute renal failure, and aorta rupture, are suspected in such patients. Emergency admission to an intensive care unit is mandatory for prompt reduction of blood pressure by approximately 20 to 25 percent, depending on alleged conditions.

In urgency hypertensive crisis, your blood pressure is over 180 systolic or 110 diastolic . While some patients may hold relatively lower risk, a certain degree of hypertensive urgency can pose an immediate threat. Thus, it is critical to have clear standards on when to send hypertensive patients to the ER.

These severe symptoms can include:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Severe headache plus confusion or blurred vision
  • Back pain
  • Unresponsiveness

Also Check: When Your Blood Pressure Is High

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles