Blood pressure crisis: Measurement saves lives

A very high blood pressure and the onset of accompanying symptoms are medically defined as a "hypertensive crisis." This threshold is usually 180/110 mmHg or higher. However, not every high value indicates a crisis. The critical point is when blood pressure rises suddenly and begins to cause damage to the body. (Source: American Heart Association - Hypertensive Crisis Overview)

What symptoms occur with a crisis?

The following symptoms indicate that high blood pressure is now starting to damage organs:

- Dizziness. - Chest pain or feeling of pressure. - Blurred vision, double vision. - Slurred speech, confusion.

- Nausea, vomiting.

- Nosebleeds. - Shortness of breath.

- Swelling in the legs.

If blood pressure is very high along with these symptoms, this is an emergency and you should go to the hospital immediately. (Source: Mayo Clinic – Signs of Hypertensive Emergency)

What should not be done in times of crisis?

The 7 most common mistakes are:

1. Trying to lower blood pressure too quickly at once. 2. Taking someone else's blood pressure medication. 3. Trying to balance blood pressure with sugary or salty foods. 4. Taking medication over and over. 5. Staying in a lying position for a long time. 6. Taking painkillers or tranquilizers.

7. Ignoring the situation and waiting.

These mistakes made during a crisis can increase the risk of stroke or heart attack. (Source: Cleveland Clinic – Hypertensive Urgencies and Emergencies)

Conclusion: In a crisis, information is more effective than panic.

The most effective intervention in a blood pressure crisis is knowing what to do without panicking. Not every high blood pressure is a crisis, but high blood pressure accompanied by symptoms should not be ignored. Proper home monitoring, timely hospital visits, and consistent medication regimens can save lives.

How you interpret your blood pressure is as important as how you measure it.

Some patients immediately panic when their blood pressure reaches 180/100; others dismiss a reading of 200/110, saying, "Nothing happened to me." However, the body cannot tolerate every increase. The crisis threshold varies from person to person. Therefore, symptoms, rate, comorbidities, and previous readings should be taken into consideration, as well as the number. (Source: ESC Hypertension Guidelines – Risk Stratification Tools)

How can we lower blood pressure at home?

In case of sudden increases, the following steps are recommended without panicking:

- Breathing slowly and deeply. - Resting in a dark and quiet room. - Keeping arms or legs warm. - If necessary, using "as needed" medications recommended by the doctor.

- Measure the blood pressure again after 30 minutes.

However, it's never a good idea to try to lower your blood pressure by 40-50 points at once. This poses a risk to your brain and heart. (Source: Harvard Health - Safe Blood Pressure Lowering at Home)

What situations can be expected at home?

If blood pressure is around 160–170/95–100 mmHg but the patient is asymptomatic, controlled monitoring can be done at home.

- Sitting in a quiet room. - Resting with your feet up. - Taking the medication you were given before.

- The situation can be monitored by taking steps such as measuring again after 30 minutes. However, if symptoms persist or the blood pressure is above 180, waiting can be dangerous. (Source: European Society of Cardiology – Home Monitoring Protocols)

What are the factors that increase the risk of a crisis?

- Those with high blood pressure who skip their medication. - Those who suffer from intense stress, anxiety, fear attacks. - Those who experience insomnia, pain, or dehydration. - Those who consume excessive salt, caffeine, or alcohol.

- Those with kidney disease or heart failure.

These individuals are more susceptible to sudden fluctuations in their blood pressure. Therefore, a crisis can happen not only to those with high blood pressure, but to anyone who neglects their blood pressure. (Source: National Institutes of Health - Hypertensive Crisis Risk Factors)