When Does High Blood Pressure Become A Medical Emergency?

May 18, 2018 by apost team

Could you have high blood pressure - also known as hypertension - without realizing it? In the United States, about one out of three people do - and many of them aren't even aware of it. Hypertension can be very dangerous if it gets out of control, so it's important to monitor your blood pressure and know when to see your doctor.
 

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High blood pressure is sneaky. Often, it causes no outward symptoms at all - this is why it's been nicknamed "the silent killer." But high blood pressure can do major damage inside your body, even if you can't feel it happening.

Occasionally, high blood pressure does cause noticeable symptoms. Some of the main ones include:

• Nosebleeds

• Headaches

• Spots of blood in the eyes

Extremely high blood pressure - a reading of 180/120 or above - usually causes severe symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call 911 immediately.

• Intense headache, particularly if you also have changes in your vision

• Bloody urine

• Difficulty breathing

• Pain in your chest

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

High blood pressure comes with a whole host of undesirable and even life-threatening side effects. It tends to go hand-in-hand with other types of heart disease, such as high blood cholesterol, and it raises your risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. High blood pressure can also cause blindness, dementia, kidney failure, and erectile dysfunction.
 

Untreated hypertension can be deadly, so if you have high blood pressure, it's critical that you take steps to get it under control. Don't wait - it will not get better on its own. Blood pressure is largely influenced by lifestyle choices, so don't underestimate how much your day-to-day decisions influence your overall health.

Some of the best ways you can bring your blood pressure down to healthy levels include:

• Not smoking.

• Not drinking alcohol.

• Eating plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.

• Restricting your salt intake.

• Getting regular exercise.

• Managing your stress effectively.

• Monitoring your blood pressure at home.

High blood pressure is a health hazard, and extremely high blood pressure is a medical emergency. Now that you know the warning signs of dangerously high blood pressure, tell your friends and family what you've learned so they can keep themselves safe, too.

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!