High blood pressure? Know when to seek emergency care

Roughly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Since the condition can go unnoticed for years, many of us don’t know we have a potentially life-threatening disease. 

In fact, the American Heart Association notes that high blood pressure is often called “the silent killer” because — even without noticeable symptoms — it can do considerable damage to your health. Recognizing the signs of high blood pressure and knowing when they require emergency care is crucial to preventing severe outcomes such as heart attack, stroke, organ damage or death. Here’s what you need to know.

What is high blood pressure?

The National Institutes of Health defines blood pressure as the force your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries as it circulates throughout your body. Your blood pressure is divided into two parts and written as two numbers separated by a slash. The first number is your systolic pressure, and the second number is your diastolic pressure.

• Systolic pressure measures the force of your blood flow when blood is pumped from the heart into your body. 
• Diastolic pressure measures your blood pressure when your heart rests between beats.

A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg. If your numbers are consistently 130/80 mmHg, it’s considered high blood pressure.

There are two stages of high blood pressure:

• Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic 130-139 mmHg or diastolic 80-89 mmHg
• Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic 140 mmHg or higher or diastolic 90 mmHg or higher

If you have stage 1 or stage 2 hypertension, it’s important to talk to your doctor about lowering your numbers. However, your condition is not immediately life-threatening. Your doctor will likely talk with you about making some lifestyle changes and possibly taking medication. A hypertensive crisis, on the other hand, requires immediate emergency care.

It’s always best to see a primary care doctor on a regular and ongoing basis to monitor your numbers. If you’re in need of a primary care physician, HCA Florida Healthcare is here to partner with you and ensure your best possible health. Find a primary care physician near you.

Understanding hypertensive crisis

According to the American Heart Association, a hypertensive crisis happens when your blood pressure rises rapidly and reaches dangerously high levels in a short period of time. 

There are two main types:

• Hypertensive urgency: Your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, but you’re not experiencing any associated symptoms. While urgent, this situation is not immediately life-threatening. Treatment typically involves adjusting your medications and making lifestyle changes. This means that, with the right steps, you can manage your condition and improve your health.
• Hypertensive emergency: Your blood pressure is 180/120 mmHg or higher, accompanied by chest pain, severe headache, shortness of breath, vision changes or difficulty speaking. This situation may cause significant damage to organs such as your heart, brain or kidneys. Immediate medical attention is not just important, it’s critical. Don’t hesitate to seek help.

Symptoms that signal an emergency

Knowing the symptoms that warrant an emergency response could be the difference between life and death. Signs include:

• Chest pain or discomfort, which can be a sign of a heart attack.
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech, which can be a sign of stroke.
• Numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, which can be a sign of stroke.
• Severe headaches, which can be a sign of stroke or other brain issues.
• Severe pain in your abdomen or back, which can be a sign of an aortic tear.
• Shortness of breath, which can be a sign of heart condition or other lung issues.
• Vision changes, such as blurred or double vision, which can be a sign of stroke or serious eye damage.

Keeping an eye on your numbers and learning to recognize the signs of a blood pressure emergency is crucial to your overall wellbeing and can save your life. Call 911 immediately if your blood pressure measures 180/120 mmHg or higher, especially if you experience any of these symptoms.