A high blood pressure or hypertensive crisis occurs when your blood pressure spikes up rapidly and severely. Experts at Revere Health note that there are two types of hypertensive crises: hypertensive urgency and hypertensive emergency, and both require medical attention of an urgent care specialist in Lehi or wherever location. Seek help as quickly as possible; otherwise, your blood vessels could swell and be damaged and might leak blood or fluid. In turn, your heart might be incapable of pumping blood efficiently.
What is Hypertensive Urgency?
Let’s say your blood pressure reading comes up 180/110 or higher. Wait for at least five minutes and then measure your blood pressure again. Get help immediately if your second reading comes up the same or higher because the early determination of organ functions is extremely crucial to establish the most appropriate treatment. Take note that your elevated reading might or might not come with severe anxiety, severe headache, nosebleeds, and breathing difficulties. In general, hypertensive urgency treatment might involve adding or modifying your medications, but seldom requires time in the hospital.
What is a Hypertensive Emergency?
In general, if your blood pressure levels exceed 120 diastolic or 180 systolic, you could be having a hypertensive emergency. However, take note that some patients have experienced organ damage at lower blood pressure levels even if they’ve never had significantly high blood pressure before. An urgent care specialist in Lehi strongly warns that you watch out for the following life-threatening symptoms:
- Severe headaches with blurred vision and confusion
- Extreme chest and back pain
- Severe anxiety
- Vomiting and nausea
- Breathing issues
- Unresponsiveness
- Seizures
In addition, if a hypertensive emergency is not addressed as soon as possible, potential consequences could include:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Memory loss
- Loss of consciousness
- Kidney disease
- Eye damage
- Angina
- Aortic dissection
- Eclampsia
- Pulmonary edema
The Bottom Line
If your blood pressure level reads 180/110 or higher and is accompanied by symptoms mentioned above, don’t just wait for your blood pressure to normalize on its own. Get medical help right away. If you’re diagnosed with hypertension or high blood pressure, you must monitor your blood pressure regularly and take your medications as directed. You should also consider keeping a record of your blood pressure readings as this could offer valuable details in case of a hypertensive crisis.
