According to the American Heart Association, high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is when your blood pressure is too high.
This results from the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries at a higher rate than normal.
For most people, their blood pressure readings should be below 120/80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is anything higher than that.
When taking your blood pressure readings, you’ll look at two numbers – the systolic pressure, which is the first or top number and measures how much pressure your blood exerts against your artery walls with each heartbeat, and your diastolic blood pressure, which is the second number on the bottom.
This shows how much pressure is being exerted when your heart is resting between beats.
What is a dangerously high blood pressure?
If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away. A reading this high is considered “hypertensive crisis.”
What Happens During a Hypertensive Crisis?
A hypertensive crisis is when you have an elevated blood pressure reading along with symptoms like severe headache, chest pain, and so on.
This is dangerous because uncontrolled blood pressure can cause long term problems such as:
Eclampsia
Stroke
Memory loss
Heart attack
Eye and kidney damage (including kidney failure)
Aortic dissection
Pulmonary edema
When to Call for Emergency Medical Help
The only time you should attempt these medical emergency treatments for high blood pressure at home is when you have the high reading alone – and nothing else.
Causes and Symptoms of Sudden High Blood Pressure
Suddenly high blood pressure can be caused by various factors.
One of these is known as white coat hypertension, which is when your blood pressure suddenly spikes the minute you walk into a doctor’s office. Though inconvenient, because it is here where you are most likely to have your readings taken, it is mostly harmless and simply caused by the anxiety you experience in this setting.
Other causes include stress, too much salt in the diet, a lack of physical activity, and so on.
Your symptoms might include:
Pain in the chest
Difficulty breathing
Confusion
Fatigue
Problems with vision
Heart palpitations
A pounding in the neck and ears
Severe headache
How to Lower High Blood Pressure Immediately at Home
If you’ve noticed that your blood pressure readings are abnormally high, obviously, your best choice is to call a doctor immediately. However, depending on whether you are showing symptoms and how you feel, visiting the emergency room might not always be the best option.
There are a few ways you can try to lower your blood pressure immediately at home. However, if these don’t work right away, you’ll want to visit a doctor. Trying to rapidly lower your blood pressure might not always be a great idea – it’s best to keep your readings stable and at a normal level.
But if you’re panicking over your high blood pressure readings, give these tactics a try.
Take a Second Reading
A higher-than-normal blood pressure reading could be cause for alarm – or it could just be a blip or error. Take your reading again. See what the results say – then keep reading.
Stay Calm
Stay calm if you’ve noticed a high blood pressure reading. Being calm can reduce your blood pressure, so take a few moments to focus on your breathing. Sit down and take a few deep breaths.
Take Blood Pressure Medication
If you’ve already been prescribed blood pressure medication, take it.
Have a Cup of Tea
There are several types of tea that can help reduce your blood pressure because they make you feel calmer. Hibiscus and chamomile tea are good options. Avoid caffeine (such as black tea) as it will cause your blood pressure to spike.
If tea isn’t your thing, don’t worry even sipping a glass of cool water can help.
Eat a Piece of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate releases 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 could cause another spike in your blood pressure.
Controlling Blood Pressure: Preventative Tips
While nobody likes having to deal with high blood pressure, there are steps you can follow in the future to prevent emergency-level high blood pressure readings at home.
Lose Weight
One of the best ways that patients can lower blood pressure is to lose weight. Being overweight or obese is one of the biggest risk factors for high blood pressure, so weight loss can make a big difference.
Exercise Regularly
Another one of the most effective lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure is to exercise regularly. Even as little as 30 minutes a day of light exercise, like walking, can make a big difference.
Consume a Healthy Diet
Studies show that consuming a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to keep a normal blood pressure. Limit sodium and aim to eat as many fruits and vegetables as possible.
There’s some evidence that eating more potassium may help reduce your blood pressure, too. That’s because it counteracts the effects of sodium on your blood vessels. Consider adding more foods like beans, baked potatoes, bananas, and spinach to your diet.
Limit Alcohol and Caffeine
Limit alcohol (no more than two drinks a day for men and one for women) and caffeine. Both of these produce side effects that can lead to high blood pressure.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, stop immediately. This is one of the most common variables when it comes to an elevated risk of heart disease.
Reduce Stress Levels
Some stress is unavoidable but you should do your best to avoid chronic stress that can raise your blood pressure and lead to unhealthy habits, like substance abuse or overeating.
Make the time for activities that you enjoy (and that naturally reduce your stress levels), such as:
Meditating
Painting
Spending time with family and friends
Gardening
Monitor Your Blood Pressure at Home
Visit Your Doctor
Visit your healthcare provider on a regular basis. This is important for everyone, but especially for individuals with high blood pressure. They’ll be able to help you monitor your blood pressure and other vital signs, while also being able to suggest changes (like medication) that can make a difference.
