Acute treatment of high blood pressure at home
Table of contents
- Key learning points
- What is high blood pressure?
- The two types of high blood pressure to watch out for
- Causes and symptoms of sudden high blood pressure
- How to lower your high blood pressure right at home
- Controlling Blood Pressure: Preventive Tips
- In short
If you are one of the millions of people in the United States with high blood pressure, you know how important it is to keep your blood pressure under control. But what if you have an increase in blood pressure and cannot get to the doctor in time?
No problem. There are some things you can do at home to lower your blood pressure until you can see a professional. In this blog post we discuss four emergency treatments for high blood pressure that you can use at home.
Key learning points
- INhypertensive emergencyThis is when your blood pressure readings are 180/120 or higher and are accompanied by dangerous symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Visit an emergency room immediately if you have a hypertensive emergency. If your blood pressure readings are high without symptoms, you can take steps at home to lower them.
- Drink a cup of tea, try to relax and sit down - these are all steps you can take to lower high blood pressure in a non-emergency situation.
What is high blood pressure?
According toAmerican Heart AssociationHigh blood pressure, also called hypertension, means your blood pressure is too high.
This is because the force of your blood pushes against the walls of your blood vessels faster than normal.
For most people, their blood pressure readings should be less than 120/80 mm Hg. High blood pressure is slightly higher than that.
When you measure your blood pressure, you look at two numbers: your systolic pressure, which is the first or top number and measures how much pressure your blood exerts on the artery walls with each heartbeat, and your diastolic blood pressure, which is the top number. second number at the bottom.
This shows how much pressure is exerted when your heart rests between beats.
The two types of high blood pressure to watch out for
There are two main types of high blood pressure readings to be aware of – they can be categorized as 'hypertensive urgency" In "hypertensieve emeurgencyUnderstanding the difference between the two will help you know whether you can safely try to lower your blood pressure at home, or whether you should see a doctor right away.
| Type | Blood pressure measurements | Symptoms | What must we do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypertensive urgency | 180/120 or higher | No symptoms other than high values | Wait five minutes and take another measurement |
| Hypertensive emergency | 180/120 or higher | High blood pressure readings along with any of the following symptoms: chest pain, back pain, vision change, shortness of breath, etc. | Call 911 or see your doctor as soon as possible |
What Happens During a Hypertensive Crisis?
A hypertensive crisis occurs when you have elevated blood pressure along with symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, etc. (the warning signs listed in the column above).
This is dangerous becauseuncontrolled blood pressurecan cause long-term problems such as:
- Eclampsia
- Snails
- Amnesia
- Heart attack
- Eye and kidney damage (including kidney failure)
- Aortic dissection
- Pulmonary edema
When should you seek emergency medical attention?
If you have noticed high blood pressure and have any symptoms (beyond just a high reading), it is important that you call 911 immediately.
The only time you should try these emergency medical treatments for high blood pressure at home is when you only have the high reading – and nothing else.
Causes and symptoms of sudden high blood pressure
Sudden high blood pressure can be caused by several factors.
One of these is known aswhite coat hypertensionThis is when your blood pressure suddenly rises the moment you walk into a doctor's office. Although inconvenient because this is where you are most likely to have your measurements taken, it is usually harmless and simply due to the fear you experience in this environment.
Other causes include stress, too much salt in the diet, lack of physical activity and so on.
- Pain in the chest
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Problems with vision
- Palpitations
- A throbbing sensation in the neck and ears
- Severe headache
Many of these symptoms are similar to what you might experience if you didhave a heart attack. So if you notice a blood pressure reading that is higher than average without any symptoms, there is no need to panic. However, if you have any of these symptoms in combination with higher blood pressure, you should go to a hospital.
How to lower your high blood pressure right at home
If you notice that your blood pressure values are abnormally high, it is of course best to call a doctor immediately. However, depending on whether you are showing symptoms and how you are feeling, a visit to the emergency room is not always the best option.
There are a few ways you can try to lower your blood pressure right at home. But if these don't work right away, you'll want to see a doctor. Trying to lower your blood pressure quickly may not always be a good idea; It is best to keep your blood pressure stable and at a normal level.
But if you're panicking about your high blood pressure readings, try these tactics.
Take another reading
A blood pressure reading that is higher than normal can be a cause for concern, but it could also just be a blip or an error. Read again. See what the results say and then read on.
Stay calm
If you have noticed high blood pressure, stay calm. Being calm can lower your blood pressure, so take a moment to focus on your breathing. Sit down and take a few deep breaths.
Take blood pressure medication
If you are already prescribed blood pressure medication, take it.
Drink a cup of tea
There are several types of tea that can help lower your blood pressure by making you feel calmer.Hibiscus and chamomile teaare good options. Avoid caffeine (such as black tea) as it will increase your blood pressure.
If tea isn't your thing, don't worry; even drinking a glass of cold water can help.
Eat a piece of dark chocolate
Dark chocolatereleases endorphins – the chemicals in your brain that make you feel good! Have a piece of dark chocolate to help you relax, but don't overdo it: the sugar can cause another spike in your blood pressure.
Controlling Blood Pressure: Preventive Tips
While no one likes dealing with high blood pressure, there are steps you can take in the future to avoid high blood pressure readings in emergency situations at home.
Lose weight
One of the best ways patients can do thatlow bloodpressureis to lose weight. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factors for high blood pressure, so losing weight can make a big difference.
Practice regularly
Another of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure is byPractice regularly. Even mild exercise for just 30 minutes a day, such as walking, can make a big difference.
Eat a healthy diet
Research shows that consuming aHealthy dietis one of the best things you can do to maintain normal blood pressure. Limit sodium and try to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible.
There is some evidence that eating more potassium can also help lower your blood pressure. That's because it counteracts the effects of sodium on your blood vessels. Consider adding morefoodssuch as beans, baked potatoes, bananas and spinach in your diet.
Limit alcohol and caffeine
Limit alcohol (no more than two drinks per day for men and one for women) and caffeine. Both have side effects that can lead to high blood pressure.
Stop smoking
If you smoke, stop immediately. This is one of the mostcommon variableswhen it comes to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Reduce stress levels
Some level of stress is unavoidable – but you should do your best to avoid chronic stress that can raise your blood pressure and lead to unhealthy habits such as substance abuse or overeating.
Make time for activities that you enjoy (and that naturally reduce your stress levels), such as:
- Meditate
- To paint
- Spending time with family and friends
- Gardening
Check your blood pressure at home
Measure your blood pressure at home as often as you can, preferably daily. This will help you address any problems that may require further medical attention before they become dangerous.
Visit your doctor
Visit your doctor regularly. This is important for everyone, but especially for people with high blood pressure. They can help you monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs, while also suggesting changes (such as medication) that can make a difference.
Get some help
Although it is best to seek your medical advice and formal medical intervention from a healthcare provider, the good news is that they are not the only person you can turn to to reduce your risk for high blood pressure and acute heart failure.
You can also trust your family and friends! Having a strong support network is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. These people can help reduce stress and make it easier for you to stay healthy – perhaps without blood pressure medication at all!
In short
If you're in betweenalmost 50%of American adults with high blood pressure, according to the CDC, it's important to know how to lower it quickly. While emergency medical treatment for high blood pressure in a hospital is always best, there are some steps you can take at home to bring your numbers down.
Keep these tips in mind and consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
