High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious medical condition that can cause a variety of health problems if left untreated. Knowing when to seek medical attention for high blood pressure is important in order to avoid further health complications.
Recognizing High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is identified by two numbers. The systolic pressure (the top number) measures the pressure of the blood in the arteries when the heart beats. The diastolic pressure (the bottom number) measures the pressure of the blood in the arteries between heartbeats. A normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg.
High blood pressure is considered anything over 140/90 mmHg. However, there may be cases where the readings are lower but still warrant medical attention. If readings are consistently around 130/80 mmHg, it is best to seek medical advice.
High blood pressure can also be identified by other symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, and chest pain. If any of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention.
Seeking Medical Attention
If high blood pressure is suspected, it is important to visit a doctor as soon as possible. A doctor will be able to confirm the presence of hypertension and can provide proper treatment. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as exercise, diet changes, and stress management.
If the blood pressure is very high (over 180/120 mmHg) or if symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, or vision changes are present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. These can be signs of a medical emergency such as a stroke or heart attack and should be taken seriously.
High blood pressure is a serious medical condition that can cause a variety of health problems if left untreated. Knowing when to seek medical attention is important in order to avoid further health complications. If readings are consistently high or if symptoms such as headaches, shortness of breath, or chest pain are present, it is important to seek medical attention. If readings are very high or if symptoms such as chest pain, confusion, or vision changes are present, it is important to seek medical attention immediately as these can be signs of a medical emergency.
