Hypertensive crisis: What to do?
Blood pressure is actually the force with which the blood pushes against the walls of arteries. When the pressure in your blood vessels is higher than the normal level, it is known as high blood pressure or hypertension.
How is blood pressure measured?
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, blood pressure is measured in units of “millimetres of mercury”; written mmHg for short. Its measurements are always given in pairs, with the upper (systolic) value first, followed by the lower (diastolic) value.
The systolic value is the pressure when the heart beats and pumps oxygen while the diastolic number is the pressure when the heart rests in between beats and refills the blood.
When do you have high blood pressure?
Blood pressure guidelines are as follows:
Normal blood pressure: less than 120 mmHg systolic; less than 80 mmHg diastolic
Elevated blood pressure: 120 to 129 mmHg systolic; less than 80 mmHg diastolic
The risks of hypertension
It is important to note that blood pressure should always be measured for several days when the body is at rest. If the readings remain high for a number of weeks, you need to consult your medical care professional for further treatment. Your doctor might take a number of blood pressure readings to check whether it stays high for over a period of time.
When you are battling hypertension, it actually puts a lot of pressure on your heart and arteries and increases their workload. If it remains untreated, it can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, vision loss etc.
When should you get IMMEDIATE medical attention?
The scariest aspect of battling high blood pressure is the fact that there are usually no symptoms or signs of the same. On the other hand, the consequences of uncontrolled blood pressure can be really dangerous. However, in certain cases, it can go to drastically high levels and produce several symptoms. Some of them are:
Severe headache
If you are experiencing unexplained headache, which does not seem to die down even with pain killers, you may need to check your BP. Pay attention if the pain seems to originate from the upper neck and extends to the back of your head.
Nausea and vomiting
If you have been feeling nauseous for a while and the sensation does not seem to be settling down, we suggest taking a blood pressure reading immediately.
Difficulty breathing
If you are not battling any common breathing problems like asthma or allergies, hypertension can cause breathlessness.
Pounding heart
Heart palpitations are one of the most common symptoms of high blood pressure. You may also feel the pounding near your ears and temples.
Dizziness
You may also experience sudden wooziness, loss of balance coupled with severe confusion.
Chest pain
Apart from feeling lightheaded and short of breath, it should be taken really seriously if your chest starts to pain. We suggest consulting a medical professional right away.
Disclaimer: This article is not a substitute for qualified medical advice. Please consult your trusted medical professional for further information.