Treatment FAQ

when to seek treatment for high blood pressure

by Ms. Vella Aufderhar Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Seek emergency care if your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or higher AND you have any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of organ damage: Chest pain. Shortness of breath. Numbness or weakness.Jan 14, 2021

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1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline...

2. Exercise regularly...

3. Eat a healthy diet...

4. Reduce sodium in your diet...

5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink...

6. Quit smoking...

7. Cut back on caffeine...

8. Reduce your stress...

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1. Lemons...antioxidant...

2. Watermelon seeds...helps widen the blood capillaries...

3. Garlic...helps relax blood vessels by stimulating the production of nitric oxide and hydrogen sulfide...

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1. Walk and exercise regularly...

2. Reduce your sodium intake...

3. Drink less alcohol...

4. Eat more potassium-rich foods...

5. Cut back on caffeine...

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7. Eat dark chocolate or cocoa...

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When should I start taking medication for high blood pressure?

The updated guidelines put blood pressure readings in five different categories:

  • Normal. A top number less than 120 and a bottom number less than 80.
  • Elevated. A top number between 120 and 129, and a bottom number less than 80.
  • Stage 1. A top number between 130 and 139, or a bottom number between 80 and 89.
  • Stage 2. A top number of 140 or higher, or a bottom number of 90 or higher.
  • Hypertensive crisis. ...

When your blood pressure is high what should you do?

You don't have to embark on a major life overhaul to make a difference in your blood pressure. Here are six simple tips for actions you can take to help get your blood pressure back into the normal range. 1. Lose weight. By far the most effective means of reducing elevated blood pressure is to lose weight, says Fisher.

What side to lay on when blood pressure is high?

Why Does Laying on My Side Lower My Blood Pressure?

  • Systolic Pressure. Blood pressure is made up of two measurements. ...
  • Diastolic Pressure. Diastolic pressure is the bottom, or lower, number in a blood pressure measurement. ...
  • Blood Pressure Factors. Many factors affect blood pressure. ...
  • Posture. When you sit, stand or lie down, your blood pressure should change. ...
  • Right and Left Side. ...

When should I see a doctor about high blood pressure?

  • Chest pain.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Numbness or weakness.
  • Change in vision.
  • Difficulty speaking.
  • Severe headache.

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When should you go to the emergency room for high blood pressure?

If your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher AND you are experiencing symptoms that could be related to your high blood pressure you should go to the Emergency Room immediately.

At what point should high blood pressure be treated?

If you're 60 or older, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Family Physicians recommend you start treatment if your top blood pressure number is 130 or higher.

What is considered stroke level high blood pressure?

Blood pressure readings above 180/120 mmHg are considered stroke-level, dangerously high, and require immediate medical attention.

Should I go to the hospital if my blood pressure is 140 over 90?

If you are monitoring your blood pressure at home and notice levels regularly above 140/90 OR if you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately and go to the emergency room.

What are the 4 stages of hypertension?

High blood pressure is classified in one of several categories — and those designations can influence treatment. Doctors classify blood pressure into four categories: normal, prehypertension (mild), stage 1 (moderate) and stage 2 (severe).

Can drinking water lower blood pressure?

It's encouraged to drink water throughout the day to stay properly hydrated. Along with helping to lower blood pressure, it can assist in lubricating the body, reducing the risk of conditions like kidney stones and urinary tract infections, and it can help improve brain function.

What are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?

5 Warning Signs of StrokeSudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body).Sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech.Sudden vision problems in one or both eyes.Sudden difficulty walking or dizziness, loss of balance or problems with coordination.More items...•

How can I lower my blood pressure instantly in an emergency?

Sit down and focus on your breathing. Take a few deep breaths and hold them for a few seconds before releasing. Take your blood pressure medication if your doctor has prescribed something for you. A cup of hibiscus or chamomile tea can also help you feel calmer, it is a good idea to stock up on these teabags.

Does anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety doesn't cause long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). But episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic, temporary spikes in blood pressure.

Should I lie down if my blood pressure is high?

The bottom line. Your body position can impact your blood pressure reading. According to older research, blood pressure may be higher while lying down. But more recent studies have found that blood pressure may be lower while lying down versus sitting.

Is 150 90 A good blood pressure?

As a general guide: high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you're over the age of 80) ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.

How can I lower my blood pressure in 5 minutes?

0:001:23Lowering Blood Pressure in 5 Minutes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou use to inhale. So we're trying to see does in-story muscle strength training lower bloodMoreYou use to inhale. So we're trying to see does in-story muscle strength training lower blood pressure and does it improve a host of other factors.

Why do doctors take blood pressure readings?

Because blood pressure normally varies during the day and may increase during a doctor visit (white coat hypertension), your doctor will likely take several blood pressure readings at three or more separate appointments before diagnosing you with high blood pressure.

How to control high blood pressure?

Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat.

What is elevated blood pressure?

Elevated blood pressure is a systolic pressure ranging from 120 to 129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below (not above) 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure tends to get worse over time unless steps are taken to control blood pressure. Elevated blood pressure may also be called prehypertension. Stage 1 hypertension.

What to do if you have chest pain?

If you also have chest pain, vision problems, numbness or weakness, breathing difficulty, or any other signs and symptoms of a stroke or heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency medical number. Both numbers in a blood pressure reading are important. But after age 50, the systolic reading is even more important.

What does blood pressure measure?

A blood pressure reading, as shown in the blood pressure monitor in the image, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats (systolic pressure) in the first number, and the pressure in your arteries between heartbeats (diastolic pressure) in the second number.

Why do doctors ask you to record your blood pressure?

Your doctor may ask you to record your blood pressure at home to provide additional information and confirm if you have high blood pressure.

What happens if your blood pressure is high?

If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high blood pressure drugs, one of which usually should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension.

What to do if you have a hypertensive crisis?

If a person is experiencing severe symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or visual difficulty, they need to call 911 for emergency medical treatment as they may be experiencing a hypertensive crisis.

How many people have high blood pressure?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 out of 3 adults in the United States have high blood pressure (hypertension).

What is blood pressure?

When to see a doctor. Complications. Causes and risk factors. Prevention. Summary. Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the walls of the arteries as it goes around a person’s body. Sometimes, it can become too high, which can be dangerous.

What does the top number mean in blood pressure?

The top number (systolic) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats. The lower number (diastolic) indicates the pressure as the heart rests between beats. As long as a person measures their blood pressure correctly, the results are just as reliable as a doctor’s measurement.

How much does aerobic exercise lower blood pressure?

Exercise: A 2015 study indicated that aerobic exercise could reduce blood pressure by 5–7 mm Hg.

How much chance of inheriting high blood pressure?

One review states that a person’s chance of inheriting high blood pressure is roughly 30–50% . The review also notes that although researchers have isolated genes that control blood pressure, these gene variants accounted for only 2–3% of genetic variations in blood pressure.

What is the best diet for high blood pressure?

People who eat well, stop smoking, lower their stress, and exercise regularly may see benefits in their general health. The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) may be beneficial in helping to prevent or treat high blood pressure.

What happens if your blood pressure is above 180?

A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood has reached (and likely remained at or above) 180/120 and you are experiencing symptoms. Symptoms include severe chest pain, severe headache, and blurred vision, and may also include symptoms of other medical issues (heart attack, stroke, pulmonary edema, kidney failure) that are caused by or related to the hypertensive emergency. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms in conjunction with a blood pressure reading of 180/120, it is essential that you seek medical treatment immediately .

How to monitor blood pressure for preeclampsia?

To monitor for preeclampsia, your doctor should measure your blood pressure regularly during your prenatal checkups and check for excess protein in your urine (another common symptom of preeclampsia). While preeclampsia can develop slowly, it can also onset suddenly. If you are monitoring your blood pressure at home and notice levels regularly above 140/90 OR if you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately and go to the emergency room.

What is hypertensive urgency?

A hypertensive urgency may be a temporary spike in blood pressure. If you are not experiencing symptoms, wait five minutes, then take your blood pressure again. If your blood pressure has remained at 180/120, have someone drive you to the ER; you are at-risk for a hypertensive emergency. A hypertensive emergency occurs when your blood has reached ...

What are the most common types of hypertensive crises?

Hypertensive urgencies and hypertensive emergencies are by far the most common types of hypertensive crises. The two types of emergencies differ in terms of severity, but both are serious conditions and both instances of when to go to the ER for high blood pressure.

Why is my blood pressure 180/120?

While children have different “healthy” blood pressure readings than adults due to their smaller size and weight, the blood pressure reading of 180/120 that indicates a hypertensive crisis in adults also indicates a hypertensive crisis in children.

What does it mean when your blood pressure is 140/90?

However, blood pressure readings of 140/90, especially after 20 weeks of pregnancy, can point to a pregnancy complication called preeclampsia.

Can preeclampsia onset suddenly?

While preeclampsia can develop slowly, it can also onset suddenly. If you are monitoring your blood pressure at home and notice levels regularly above 140/90 OR if you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headaches or changes in vision, contact your doctor immediately and go to the emergency room.

What happens when blood pressure is high?

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.

What is the meaning of "high blood pressure"?

High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) 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.

What is the blood pressure in urgency?

In urgency hypertensive crisis, your blood pressure is over 180 systolic (the top number) or 110 diastolic (the lower number). 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.

What are the stages of hypertensive crisis?

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.

What does the top number mean in blood pressure?

Blood pressure readings are in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The top number (systolic) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heartbeats. The lower number (diastolic) indicates the pressure as the heart rests between beats. As long as a person measures their blood pressure correctly, the results are just as reliable as a doctor’s measurement.

Why does the heart pump blood?

Our heart pumps blood in our entire body. As it travels, the blood supplies oxygen to the body’s 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.

Why is high blood pressure considered a silent killer?

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. (CDC)

How long to wait for blood pressure to go up?

If your blood pressure is 180/120 or greater, wait about five minutes and try again. If the second reading is just as high and you are not experiencing any other associated symptoms of target organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking, this would be considered a hypertensive urgency. Your healthcare provider may just have you adjust or add medications, but rarely requires hospitalization.

What is a high blood pressure crisis?

A hypertensive ( high blood pressure or HBP) crisis is when blood pressure rises quickly and severely with readings of 180/120 or greater.

What happens if you call 911 for high blood pressure?

Hypertensive Crisis: When You Should Call 911 for High Blood Pressure. A hypertensive ( high blood pressure or HBP) crisis is when blood pressure rises quickly and severely with readings of 180/120 or greater. The consequences of uncontrolled blood pressure in this range can be severe and include: Stroke. Loss of consciousness.

What happens if your blood pressure is 180/120?

If your blood pressure reading is 180/120 or greater and you are experiencing any other associated symptoms of target organ damage such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking then this would be considered a hypertensive emergency . Do not wait to see if your pressure comes down on its own, Call 911.

What is the first line of therapy for high blood pressure?

Diuretics are often recommended as the first line of therapy for most people who have high blood pressure. However, your doctor may start a medicine other than a diuretic as the first line of therapy if you have certain medical problems. For example, ACE inhibitors are often a choice for people with diabetes.

How to prevent high blood pressure?

To prevent high blood pressure, everyone should be encouraged to make lifestyle modifications, such as eating a healthier diet, quitting smoking, and getting more exercise. Treatment with medicationis recommended to lower blood pressure to less than 130/80 in people older than age 65 and those with risk factors such as diabetes and high cholesterol.

Why is high blood pressure dangerous?

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is dangerous because it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease. The goal of hypertension treatment is to lower high blood pressure and protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage. Treatment for hypertension has been associated with reductions in stroke ...

How to get your heart pumping?

Getting regular aerobic exercise( such as brisk walking at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week). Check out a yogaclass. Seek out activities that get your heartpounding, like biking or swimming. Over the course of a week, aim to exerciseconsistently for at least 2 1/2 hours total.

What is the most important element in the management of high blood pressure?

The most important element in the management of high blood pressure is follow-up care.

How does smoking affect blood pressure?

Quitting smoking. Tobaccodamages the walls of your bloodvessels and hardens your arteries. Both need to be in good shape while you control your blood pressure.

What to do if blood pressure is 20/10?

If your blood pressure is more than 20/10 points higher than it should be, your doctor may consider starting you on two drugs or placing you on a combination drug.

How to know if you have high blood pressure?

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: 1 Severe chest pain 2 Nausea and vomiting 3 Severe headaches accompanied by blurred vision and confusion 4 Seizures 5 Unresponsiveness 6 Shortness of breath 7 Severe anxiety

What happens when you have a hypertensive crisis?

A hypertensive crisis can lead to complications or damages to your body such as fluid in the lungs, memory loss, vision damage, and damage to vital organs. This is why it is important that you go to your nearest hospital emergency room and receive the treatment needed to lower your blood pressure.

What does it mean when your blood pressure is 180/110?

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.

Why is it important to know when to seek immediate medical attention?

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.

What causes a spike in blood pressure?

Unresponsiveness. 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.

Why do people go to the emergency room?

Complications caused by hypertension (high blood pressure), 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.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Changing your lifestyle can help control and manage high blood pressure. Your doctor may recommend that you make lifestyle changes including: 1. Eating a heart-healthy diet with less salt 2. Getting regular physical activity 3. Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you're overweight or obese 4. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink Bu...
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