Treatment FAQ

when to seek treatment for hypertension

by Prof. Vallie Pagac Sr. Published 2 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.Jan 14, 2021

Mayoclinic.org

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...

Learn More...

Top10homeremedies.com

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...

4. Banana...rich source of potassium...

5. Celery...

6. Coconut Water...

7. Cayenne Pepper...

8. Onion Juice...

Learn More...

Medicalnewstoday.com

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...

6. Learn to manage stress...

7. Eat dark chocolate or cocoa...

8. Lose weight...

Learn More...

What is the best first line of treatment for hypertension?

  • Principles of drug therapy: Chlorthalidone (12.5-25 mg) is the preferred diuretic because of long half-life and proven reduction of CVD risk. ...
  • Initial first-line therapy for stage 1 hypertension includes thiazide diuretics, CCBs, and ACE inhibitors or ARBs. ...
  • CKD: BP goal should be <130/80 mm Hg. ...

More items...

What is the best treatment for hypertension?

You can lower your blood pressure with the following lifestyle changes:

  • Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
  • Quitting smoking. ...
  • Following the DASH eating plan, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. ...
  • Reducing the amount of sodium in your diet to less than 1,500 milligrams a day if you have high blood pressure; healthy adults should try to limit their sodium intake ...

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What foods to avoid with hypertension?

Foods that are high in sodium are known to cause high blood pressure. Learn the top foods to avoid if you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, including table salt, cured meats, and some canned foods.

How to manage Stage 1 hypertension or mild hypertension?

Try to:

  • Change your expectations. For example, plan your day and focus on your priorities. ...
  • Focus on issues you can control and make plans to solve them. If you are having an issue at work, try talking to your manager. ...
  • Avoid stress triggers. Try to avoid triggers when you can. ...
  • Make time to relax and to do activities you enjoy. ...
  • Practice gratitude. ...

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Why is high blood pressure considered a serious disease?

High Blood Pressure: When to Seek Emergency Care. High blood pressure, caused by lifestyle issues like obesity and not getting enough exercise, among other causes, is a serious disease.

What happens if your blood pressure is 140/90?

The following symptoms may happen alongside the high blood pressure: Upper abdominal pain. Vision changes. Swelling – especially in the hands and feet. Headaches.

Is 180/120 a medical emergency?

However, the blood pressure reading of 180/120 that indicates a medical emergency for adults also means one for a child.

Is high blood pressure considered an emergency?

There are times when high blood pressure (hypertension) 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 180/120 or higher AND you have any of the following symptoms, which may be signs of organ damage: Chest pain.

How to diagnose hypertension?

To diagnose or monitor hypertension, a person should measure their blood pressure regularly. A person can measure their blood pressure at home. Blood pressure readings are in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). The top number (systolic) indicates the pressure in the arteries as the heart beats.

What to do if blood pressure is 180/120?

If the blood pressure is still higher than 180/120 mm Hg, they need to seek medical help at their doctor’s office. 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.

What happens if your blood pressure is high?

During a hypertensive crisis, people with a blood pressure above 180/120 mm Hg may experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, blurry vision, headache, or nosebleed.

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.

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.

Is blood pressure dangerous?

Sometimes, it can become too high, which can be dangerous. adults in the United States have high blood pressure (hypertension). In this article, we explore the myths surrounding high blood pressure symptoms.

Is high blood pressure a silent killer?

Most of the time, high blood pressure has no symptoms. It is known as the silent killer. However, these symptoms may not be due to high blood pressure, and anyone experiencing them should speak to a doctor as they may also be signs of other health conditions or side effects of medications.

What is the best medication for low blood pressure?

Calcium Channel Blockers. Calcium channel blockers are drugs used to lower blood pressure. They work by slowing the movement of calcium into the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls, which makes it easier for the heart to pump and widens blood vessels. ACE Inhibitors.

Is fish oil good for high blood pressure?

Get the facts on your options. Dietary fish and fish oil supplements have benefits for healthy people and people with high blood pressure and heart disease alike. People who smoke are more likely to develop problems like high blood pressure and heart disease. Learn more and get tips on quitting and avoiding relapses.

How Do I Know I Have It?

It is a medical condition with negligible physical symptoms, but it can quietly damage different body parts of the patient. The best way to monitor your heart’s health is to measure your blood pressure levels regularly. You can do it easily, even at your home.

What causes extremely high blood pressure?

Specific abnormalities happening in your body can lead to high blood pressure or if a person with born with particular genetic dysfunction. The likelihood of developing high blood pressure is higher in adults with obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, under or overactive thyroid, lupus, obstructive sleep apnea, amongst others.

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.

Stay Prepared!

If you have high blood pressure, track your blood pressure, and medications. If possible, during an emergency, having these logs with you can provide valuable information to the medical team providing treatment.

When is the next review due for high blood pressure?

Page last reviewed: 23 October 2019. Next review due: 23 October 2022.

How to reduce high blood pressure?

Simple lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure, although some people may need to take medicine as well. Your GP can advise you about changes you can make to your lifestyle and discuss whether they think you'd benefit from medicine. This patient decision aid (PDF, 132kb) can also help you to understand your treatment options.

Why are beta blockers less effective than other blood pressure medications?

They used to be a popular treatment for high blood pressure, but now tend to be used only when other treatments have not worked . This is because beta blockers are considered less effective than other blood pressure medicines. Common examples are atenolol and bisoprolol.

How to lower blood pressure?

Some of these will lower your blood pressure in a matter of weeks, while others may take longer. Try to: cut your salt intake to less than 6g (0.2oz) a day, which is about a teaspoonful – find out how you can reduce the amount ...

What is the best age to take an ACE inhibitor?

if you're under 55 years of age – you'll usually be offered an ACE inhibitor or an angiotensin-2 receptor blocker (ARB) if you're aged 55 or older, or you're any age and of African or Caribbean origin – you'll usually be offered a calcium channel blocker.

Does taking blood pressure medicine make you feel different?

It's really important to take your medicine as directed. If you miss doses, it will not work as well. The medicine will not necessarily make you feel any different, but this does not mean it's not working. Medicines used to treat high blood pressure can have side effects, but most people do not get any.

Can you stop taking blood pressure medicine?

Medicines used to treat high blood pressure can have side effects, but most people do not get any. If you do get side effects, do not stop taking your medicine. Talk to your doctor, who may advise changing your medicine.

How to tell if blood pressure is high?

If you are being treated for high blood pressure, your doctor can answer any questions or concerns you may have during your regular visits. However, there may be situations that warrant a call to your doctor. For example: 1 If you aren't responding to the treatment your doctor prescribed and your blood pressure is still high 2 If you have certain symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headache, excessive sweating, palpitations or irregular heart beats, problems with your vision, or confusion; these may be serious and should warrant prompt medical attention. They could be from uncontrolled high blood pressure or from medication side effects.

Why is high blood pressure considered a silent disease?

High blood pressure is often called the "silent" disease, because it may have no noticeable symptoms. If undetected and untreated, hypertension can cause heart disease (including congestive heart failure and heart attack ), stroke, and kidney disease. That's why it is important to have regular physical examinations to make sure your blood pressure ...

What are some examples of high blood pressure?

If you have certain symptoms, including fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, headache, excessive sweating, palpitations or irregular heart beats, problems with your vision, or confusion;

Why is it important to have a physical exam?

This is especially important if your blood pressure has ever been high , if you have a family history of hypertension, or if you are gaining weight.

Can a doctor answer questions about high blood pressure?

However, there may be situations that warrant a call to your doctor. For example:

What is the name of the condition that causes high blood pressure?

Secondary hypertension. Some people have high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. This type of high blood pressure, called secondary hypertension, tends to appear suddenly and cause higher blood pressure than does primary hypertension.

How is blood pressure determined?

Blood pressure is determined both by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries, the higher your blood pressure. A blood pressure reading is given in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). It has two numbers.

Why is blood pressure high in children?

For some children, high blood pressure is caused by problems with the kidneys or heart. But for a growing number of kids, poor lifestyle habits — such as an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise — contribute to high blood pressure.

Why is potassium important for heart health?

Potassium helps balance the amount of sodium in your cells. A proper balance of potassium is critical for good heart health. If you don't get enough potassium in your diet, or you lose too much potassium due to dehydration or other health conditions, sodium can build up in your blood. Drinking too much alcohol.

Can high blood pressure cause memory problems?

These conditions make you more likely to develop diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Trouble with memory or understanding. Uncontrolled high blood pressure may also affect your ability to think, remember and learn. Trouble with memory or understanding concepts is more common in people with high blood pressure.

Should blood pressure be checked in both arms?

Blood pressure generally should be checked in both arms to determine if there's a difference. It's important to use an appropriate-sized arm cuff. Your doctor will likely recommend more-frequent readings if you've already been diagnosed with high blood pressure or have other risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

Can you have high blood pressure for years?

You can have high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. Uncontrolled high blood pressure increases your risk of serious health problems, including heart attack and stroke. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be easily detected.

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.

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 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.

What is a hypersensitive emergency?

A hypersensitive crisis is an urgent medical condition that requires immediate action.

Hypertension classifications

The severity of these stages depends on what number is used to measure blood pressure:

Hypertensive emergency vs urgency

Hypertensive emergencies are caused by either heart or kidney injury; urgencies refer to high BP on top of chronic conditions like diabetes and coronary artery disease .

What to Know and When to Act

Hypertensive emergencies are the result of uncontrolled hypertension, it can be explained by elevated blood pressure due to high arterial pressure , which can happen quickly if not treated immediately.

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Diagnosis

  • Your doctor will ask questions about your medical history and do a physical examination. The doctor, nurse or other medical assistant will place an inflatable arm cuff around your arm and measure your blood pressure using a pressure-measuring gauge. Your blood pressure generally …
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Clinical Trials

  • Explore Mayo Clinic studiestesting new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

  • Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure, even if you're taking blood pressure medication. Here's what you can do: 1. Eat healthy foods.Eat a heart-healthy diet. 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 ca…
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Alternative Medicine

  • Although diet and exercise are the most appropriate tactics to lower your blood pressure, some supplements also may help lower it. However, more research is needed to determine the potential benefits. These supplements include: 1. Fiber, such as blond psyllium and wheat bran 2. Minerals, such as magnesium, calcium and potassium 3. Folic acid 4. Supplements or products that incre…
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Coping and Support

  • High blood pressure isn't a problem that you can treat and then ignore. It's a condition you need to manage for the rest of your life. To keep your blood pressure under control: 1. Take your medications properly.If side effects or costs pose problems, don't stop taking your medications. Ask your doctor about other options. 2. Schedule regular doctor visits.It takes a team effort to tr…
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • If you think you may have high blood pressure, make an appointment with your doctor to have your blood pressure checked. No special preparations are necessary to have your blood pressure checked. You might want to wear a short-sleeved shirt to your appointment so that the blood pressure cuff can fit around your arm properly. Avoid eating, drinking caffeinated beverages an…
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