When it comes to high blood pressure: when is it an emergency? Learn how to recognize the signs of dangerous blood pressure levels.
Having a sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity and even high blood pressure (also known as hypertension). While high blood pressure can eventually lead to heart disease, there are some circumstances that make it dangerous by itself.
For example, if your blood pressure levels rise too quickly and severely, it’s an emergency that needs urgent medical attention. Be on the lookout if your reading is 180/120 or higher and you experience symptoms that indicate organ damage. These symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, numbness, weakness, change in vision, difficulty speaking, and a severe headache.
Hypertension and Vulnerable Groups
While most people need to look out for readings over 180/120, pregnant women can’t go higher than 140/90. High blood pressure in pregnant women is called preeclampsia, a condition that can be fatal for both mother and baby. Furthermore, pregnant women should contact their doctor if they experience upper abdominal pain, vision changes, headaches, and swelling.
Another vulnerable group includes children, as what counts as normal blood pressure is usually different for adults and children. However, if a child has a reading of over 180/120, it is also an indicator of a medical emergency.
Treating High Blood Pressure
A variety of factors can cause high blood pressure including a lack of exercise, being overweight, diabetes, and other conditions. All of these conditions can increase your risk of hypertension and, if untreated, can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
If you have a hypertensive crisis, you may need to call 911 and go to the emergency room for treatment. Once you arrive at the hospital, your healthcare provider will ask you a couple of questions, including:
- What medications are you taking?
- Did you take your blood pressure medication?
- What symptoms are you experiencing?
- How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
Answering these questions honestly will help your healthcare providers give you the best treatment. If you’re feeling high blood pressure and symptoms but have no way of checking them, don’t hesitate to call 911.
The Outlook
Hypertension is a significant factor in heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S. and around the world. If it reaches the hypertensive crisis stage, you will need to contact your healthcare provider immediately or call emergency services.
However, it’s best to start taking care of your blood pressure now before it gets to the hypertensive crisis stage. To do so, start by exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet such as the DASH diet.
Moreover, you can add daily supplements like L-arginine Plus to your routine. Its ingredients help promote natural circulation in the body by increasing nitric oxide production. Try L-arginine Plus along with exercise and healthy dieting to give your blood pressure health the support it needs.