Most people consider blood pressure to be a gradual and gradual problem, which accumulates over the years. So, if the machine suddenly starts displaying a very high number, it can be a shock. You might wonder what went wrong and if you should go to the hospital immediately. The reality is, high blood pressure can happen all of a sudden for numerous reasons, some benign and others not. This blog can make you aware of what might be going on and when it is a problem.
It is important to know the numbers associated with Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force that your blood exerts on the walls of your arteries. It’s presented in a fraction, for example 120/80. The top number is the pressure taken when your heart beats and the bottom number is the pressure when your heart is resting. If a person’s blood pressure is measured and found to be 130/80 or higher, doctors typically consider this high blood pressure, if it occurs regularly over time. High pressure over a long period of time is called hypertension. Your pressure does fluctuate throughout the day, so if it is high one day, it is not an emergency, it’s just another day to recheck it.
A BP spike can happen from the simplest of situations
If a BP spike is short in duration and occurs for a simple reason, then it is likely a simple cause. Running to the doctor’s office, going up or down stairs quickly, or evaluating immediately following a walk can increase the number. Cigarettes, coffee and tea work the same. So do exceeding full bladder and severe pain, or a poor night’s sleep. Even if you eat a heavy meal, rich in salt, it can raise your pressure for a few hours. One of these might be the reason if you feel fine and the number remains still after resting.
Worry, Anger, Anxiety
The body reacts to strong feelings within a short period of time. Your heart races and blood vessels narrow when you are angry, scared or pressured. This can cause your blood pressure to increase in just a few minutes. For some, it’s simply high numbers occur only when they are in the doctor’s office and feeling nervous. Calm days provide home checks for a more accurate assessment. However, if stress is a part of your life, your stress could be elevated for longer and shouldn’t be overlooked.
Too Much Salt and Missed Tablets
If you are taking blood pressure medicine, the most common cause of a sudden increase in blood pressure is missing a dose or without medical advice, stopping the tablets. Others feel better after a few weeks and stop, but the pressure comes back, and sometimes worse. Please consult your doctor before making any changes. Too much salt is another big reason. Pickles, papad, namkeen, instant noodles and outside food contain a lot of hidden salt in them that causes the body to retain water and increases the pressure.
Medicines and Other Substances
Some medications may increase blood pressure. Examples include some cold and nose-blocking medications, steroids and certain hormone pills. Numbers also increase with heavy drinking and smoking. Some health supplements and body building products are also available that can do the same. Inform your doctor of all medicines that you have, even if they were purchased from a medical store without a prescription.
Medical conditions which may be responsible for it
Sometimes it is due to an underlying health issue. Various health conditions such as kidney disease, thyroid disorders, diabetes, hormone gland disorders and sleep apnoea contribute to high blood pressure. When there is sudden increase in pregnancy particularly after 20 weeks, it requires a rapid medical review as it may indicate a serious condition. If blood pressure readings are extremely high in younger people, doctors will usually search for these contributing factors. That’s why there should always be tests performed if there are repeated high readings.
High Blood Pressure Symptoms to Watch
There are people who show no symptoms whatsoever, hence high blood pressure is a silent problem. However, if the pressure gets extremely high, the body can provide an indication. Symptoms of high blood pressure are severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, or weakness or numbness in one side of the body. Don’t dismiss these symptoms, even if you don’t have a family history of high blood pressure.
When It Becomes an Emergency
Any reading over 180/120 is extremely high. In addition, if you experience any of the symptoms above, it could be a hypertensive crisis, which means that organs such as the heart, brain, kidneys and eyes may be damaged. Immediately head for the nearest hospital and request someone to drive you there. Never drive yourself and never wait to see if it settles. If the reading remains so high but you are feeling absolutely fine, lie down for 5 minutes, retake the reading and contact your doctor immediately for guidance.
Tips for Healthy Living at home
Sit quietly, breathe slowly, no tea, coffee or smoking while arranging the check-up. Avoid self-medication with additional medications as a rapid drop in pressure can also be dangerous. Use a high quality upper arm BP monitor at home to monitor your numbers. Rest in a back-supported position with feet flat, for 5 minutes, then read twice, one minute apart. Write them down at the same time of day and share this with your doctor.
Lifestyle Changes for Blood Pressure
Little, consistent action will have a large impact. Reduce salt in your diet and processed food. Eat more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Have a healthy weight, walk for a minimum of 30 minutes each day, and get enough rest. Avoid tobacco and moderate alcohol. These healthy habits for high blood pressure can be used in addition to treatment, and can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke over time.
Conclusion
If you have high readings on 2+ days, even if you feel good continue to book a visit. If you have diabetes, kidney or heart disease, or a family history of high blood pressure, or if your blood pressure remains elevated despite medication, see your doctor. Your organs are less likely to be damaged for a lifetime if you get them early care.
