A blood pressure of 180/120 represents a hypertensive crisis or hypertensive urgency. If there are no associated symptoms, the situation is urgent. Symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking point to a crisis with more damage. A pressure this high can cause a stroke any time. The most critical thing is to get the pressure down. Make an adjustment to the blood pressure medicine and follow the patient closely. Someone on your team should be checking with a patient like this very frequently until the pressure is at a much safer level. Adjustments can be made frequently until a safer pressure level is achieved. It may take up to 4 medications to achieve control. Home blood pressure measurement and phone calls or texts can help
Hypertensive Crisis
Hypertensive Crisis
Hypertensive Crisis
A blood pressure of 180/120 represents a hypertensive crisis or hypertensive urgency. If there are no associated symptoms, the situation is urgent. Symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness/weakness, change in vision, or difficulty speaking point to a crisis with more damage. A pressure this high can cause a stroke any time. The most critical thing is to get the pressure down. Make an adjustment to the blood pressure medicine and follow the patient closely. Someone on your team should be checking with a patient like this very frequently until the pressure is at a much safer level. Adjustments can be made frequently until a safer pressure level is achieved. It may take up to 4 medications to achieve control. Home blood pressure measurement and phone calls or texts can help