“Should I visit ER for blood pressure?”
I have high blood pressure. Should I visit ER for blood pressure?
4 Answers
If your blood pressure is very high or you are experiencing blurred vision, chest pain, headache or any other abnormalities, going to the ER is recommended. Consultation with your primary care doctor is important.
NO. Bloor pressure management is a primary care physician and cardiologist job, it is better to have regular visits with your primary doctor who knows you and adjust your medications accordingly.
If you BP is 190/100 or higher or you have high BP and a headache, chest pain, left arm pain or tingling, feeling of doom, or sudden blurry vision or any vision changes, then go to the ER.
If you have high blood pressure, visiting the emergency room (ER) is generally not necessary unless you are experiencing a hypertensive crisis or severe symptoms. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management and monitoring by a healthcare provider.
Here are some situations in which you should consider seeking immediate medical attention, such as going to the ER:
1. **Hypertensive Crisis:** If your blood pressure reaches extremely high levels, typically defined as a systolic blood pressure (the top number) greater than 180 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) greater than 120 mm Hg, and you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, blurry vision, confusion, or neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
2. **Signs of Organ Damage:** If you have high blood pressure and experience symptoms or signs of organ damage, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
3. **Medication Adjustment:** If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure, and you are experiencing side effects or unusual reactions to the medication, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not stop taking prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
4. **Concern for an Underlying Condition:** If you are concerned that there may be an underlying medical condition contributing to your high blood pressure, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders, consult with a healthcare provider to address these concerns and receive appropriate evaluation.
For routine management of high blood pressure and medication adjustments, contact your primary care physician or healthcare provider. They can assess your blood pressure, review your medical history, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Remember that managing high blood pressure typically involves lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, exercise, stress reduction) and, in many cases, medication. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Here are some situations in which you should consider seeking immediate medical attention, such as going to the ER:
1. **Hypertensive Crisis:** If your blood pressure reaches extremely high levels, typically defined as a systolic blood pressure (the top number) greater than 180 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) greater than 120 mm Hg, and you are experiencing symptoms such as severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, blurry vision, confusion, or neurological symptoms, seek emergency medical care.
2. **Signs of Organ Damage:** If you have high blood pressure and experience symptoms or signs of organ damage, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
3. **Medication Adjustment:** If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure, and you are experiencing side effects or unusual reactions to the medication, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not stop taking prescribed medications without consulting a healthcare professional.
4. **Concern for an Underlying Condition:** If you are concerned that there may be an underlying medical condition contributing to your high blood pressure, such as kidney disease or hormonal disorders, consult with a healthcare provider to address these concerns and receive appropriate evaluation.
For routine management of high blood pressure and medication adjustments, contact your primary care physician or healthcare provider. They can assess your blood pressure, review your medical history, and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Remember that managing high blood pressure typically involves lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary changes, exercise, stress reduction) and, in many cases, medication. It's important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and to monitor your blood pressure regularly.
