According to a study conducted by the CDC, high blood pressure or hypertension is the cause of nearly 600 thousand deaths in the United States alone. High blood pressure is a condition that can be easily maintained with regular monitoring, healthy habits, and medications.
For those with hypertension sudden spikes in blood pressure can be dangerous and may lead to serious health complications like heart attack, stroke, or organ failure. Because of its quiet and instant damage to the heart, blood vessels, and other organs, it’s often called a silent killer.
Furthermore, in some cases, blood pressure can rise suddenly and become an issue requiring immediate medical help. In this piece, you will learn about managing high blood pressure emergencies and five key steps to control it instantly.
Understanding High Blood Pressure Emergencies
The force with which blood pumps from the heart into the arteries is termed blood pressure. High blood pressure increases pressure on delicate tissues and damages blood vessels as blood flows through the arteries more forcefully.
According to professionals, a normal blood pressure reading is 120/80 (mm Hg). 120 is known as Systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart pumps. At 80, the heart relaxes, known as diastolic pressure. You enter dangerous territory when blood pressure readings exceed or lower than 180/120 mm Hg. An extreme elevation of blood pressure in this range can lead to two major scenarios:
Hypertensive Urgency
Blood pressure crossing 180/120 or higher is hypertensive urgency. There will be no noticeable symptoms in case of hypertensive urgency. The best way to be sure and maintain the blood pressure in this condition is to remain calm and practice deep breathing.
Hypertensive Emergency
A hypertensive emergency is a condition where the blood pressure will be dangerously high. There will be symptoms including – blurred vision, seizures, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in urine, and unknown swelling. The best approach to treat this is to seek immediate medical help.
5 Immediate Steps to Take For Emergency Treatment for High Blood Pressure
Immediate professional medical attention is the best course of action during a hypertensive emergency. However, if you’re waiting for help or cannot get immediate treatment for high blood pressure, these five steps can help stabilize your condition.
Step 1: Remain Calm and Sit Down
If you’re feeling a strike in the blood pressure, sit down and try to rest your body and calm your brain. Practice visualization & meditation for faster muscle relaxation. Visualize a peaceful place to help you reduce stress levels and slow down your breathing rate lowering your blood pressure rate.
Step 2: Practice Deep Breathing Exercises
Practicing deep breathing is a powerful way to manage stress and instantly control high blood pressure. Try the 60-second trick to immediately control your blood pressure rate. Sit comfortably, close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, hold your breath for 1-2 seconds, exhale slowly, and repeat the process 5-6 times.
Deep breathing, lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, stabilizes heart rate, and improves overall mental clarity and relaxation. This activates the mind to help the body relax, reducing heart rate, lowering stress hormones, and providing immediate relief from high BP at home.
Step 3: Drink Water or Herbal Tea
Hydration plays a major role in high blood pressure treatment. Drinking water will instantly dilute your blood and give you temporary relief from high blood pressure. Additionally, a cup of hibiscus or chamomile tea will also help you feel calmer. However, try to avoid black tea or coffee when you’re in an episode of high BP.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
- Keep a Water Bottle Handy: Have a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day. Set reminders if needed to take sips regularly.
- Infuse Your Water: Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or a few mint leaves to make plain water more enjoyable and refreshing.
- Opt for Decaf Options: Substitute caffeinated drinks with herbal tea, especially during the latter part of the day to avoid overstimulation.
Step 4: Try Gentle Stretches or a Short Walk
Avoid quick and abrupt movements including sudden bending or stretching. Move slowly and deliberately to minimize the stress on the cardiovascular system and lower blood pressure. When blood pressure spikes, walking a few steps or gentle stretching can be a useful and powerful way for hypertension management.
Studies have shown that taking walks is an impactful way to reduce stress, making it a natural way to combat high blood pressure. Benefits of short walks include:
- Releases tension
- Maintain blood circulation
- Boost mental clarity
- Promotes mind-body connection
Step 5: Use Cold Compresses
Place cold compressors such as ice packs or cold towels on your forehead, neck, or wrists. Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow and reduce blood flow to the area. This technique helps lower blood pressure by decreasing the overall volume of blood circulating through the constricted vessels.
When using ice packs, focus on pulse points, breathe deeply, limit application time, and repeat if needed. However, make sure the compressor is not too cold to avoid skin damage or other discomfort.
When to Seek Emergency Help?
As aforementioned there are immediate steps to take at home to bring down the high blood pressure. It’s crucial to recognize when home treatments aren’t enough and it’s necessary to consult a high blood pressure specialist.
Below are a few of the symptoms to recognize when high blood pressure requires urgent medical attention.
- Severe Headache
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of breath or Tightness
- Blurred Vision
- Nausea
- Confused Decision Making
- Seizures
What to do When these Symptoms Occur?
Ignoring the hypertensive emergency symptoms can lead to life-threatening complications. To avoid such situations:
Call Emergency Services Immediately
If you or someone around you experiences these symptoms, call emergency services right away. Ensure they get the treatment from trained high blood pressure doctors to quickly assess and treat the situation.
Take Steps to Stay Calm
Panic and stress can further elevate blood pressure, so while you wait for emergency help, try to stay calm. Engage the patient in slow, deep breathing if possible to prevent additional blood pressure spikes.
Avoid Further Home Treatment
In a hypertensive crisis, at-home methods may not always be effective. Avoid self-medicating or attempting more home remedies, reach out for help, and let the medical professionals take over.
Preventive Tips for High Blood Pressure Management
Managing high blood pressure is more than about immediate treatment during a crisis. Incorporate preventative strategies into your daily routine to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of a hypertensive crisis. Here are essential preventive tips for managing high blood pressure.
- Adopt a Balanced Diet
- Exercise Regularly
- Manage Stress Effectively
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
- Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly
- Get Quality Sleep
Mindful eating, regular exercise, stress management, and consistent monitoring, will help you control your blood pressure and lower the risk of a hypertensive crisis. Make sure to always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss the best preventative methods and other additional treatments personalized for your unique health needs.
Conclusion
Knowing ways to manage high blood pressure at home is valuable, especially during unexpected crises. However, always remember that these are temporary measures and there’s no foolproof way to completely control a hypertensive emergency. Sign yourself up for regular medical checkups and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
FAQs
What range is considered concerning high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is considered high when reading is consistently reaching 130/80 mm Hg or above.
Is it possible to treat high blood pressure at home without medication?
No. When experiencing high blood pressure symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, or blurred vision seek medical help immediately. Treating high blood pressure at home is not completely safe and can cause other serious issues.
Is it possible to have a life-threatening emergency when your blood pressure is high?
Yes. When left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to severe complications causing dangerously concerning issues. It can cause sudden heart attack, kidney damage, or even loss of life in much more serious conditions. It’s always advised to take prompt action and medical intervention.