Blood pressure is a key indicator of your overall health. It measures how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries as it moves through your body.
When blood pressure is in a normal range, it helps your organs get the oxygen-rich blood they need to work properly.
But when blood pressure becomes too high, it can be dangerous. This condition is known as hypertension, or high blood pressure. It’s often called the “silent killer” because it can cause serious problems like heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failure—without any warning signs for years.
That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, which is when blood pressure becomes dangerously high and needs emergency care right away.
A hypertensive crisis happens when blood pressure readings are above 180/120 mm Hg. At this level, the heart and blood vessels are under extreme stress, and immediate medical help is needed. Here are some warning signs to look out for:
Severe headaches – These may feel sudden and intense, often described as the worst headaches people have ever had.
Chest pain – High blood pressure can strain the heart, leading to pain or tightness in the chest. This may mean the heart isn’t getting enough oxygen.
Shortness of breath – Trouble breathing can happen if the heart isn’t pumping well due to the high pressure.
Nosebleeds – While many nosebleeds are harmless, if they start suddenly and won’t stop, and you also have high blood pressure, it could be a serious warning sign.
Severe anxiety – Feelings of panic, dread, or extreme nervousness can happen during a hypertensive crisis.
Vision problems – Blurry vision, double vision, or even sudden loss of sight can occur if high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the eyes.
Nausea or vomiting – These symptoms, especially when combined with other signs, could indicate serious stress on the body from high blood pressure.
These symptoms can mean that your organs—like the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes—are being damaged quickly by the high pressure. Don’t wait. If you or someone else shows these signs, call emergency services right away.
Because high blood pressure often has no symptoms, regular blood pressure checks are essential. Many people don’t even know they have high blood pressure until it causes major problems.
Experts recommend that people who have risk factors—like a family history of heart disease, being overweight, or living an unhealthy lifestyle—get their blood pressure checked often.
The good news is that high blood pressure can often be prevented or controlled. Eating healthier meals with less salt, staying active, keeping a healthy weight, drinking less alcohol, and not smoking can make a big difference. These changes help lower blood pressure and protect your heart.
If you already have high blood pressure, it’s important to take any prescribed medications and check your blood pressure regularly at home. These habits can help prevent a hypertensive crisis and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
In short, learning the signs of dangerously high blood pressure can save lives. Taking care of your health, making smart lifestyle choices, and getting regular checkups are some of the best ways to keep your blood pressure—and your health—in check.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that turmeric and vitamin D may boost blood pressure control in type 2 diabetes and scientists find link between blood pressure drugs and bowel diseases.
For more information about blood pressure, please read studies about high blood pressure treatment: ARBs vs. ACE inhibitors and blood pressure response to exercise can predict future heart disease.
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