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Warning-sign checks

Hypertension: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services if very high blood pressure occurs with chest pain, severe breathlessness, new weakness or numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, major vision changes, seizure, fainting, or a sudden severe headache.

    Do not drive yourself.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact your healthcare service promptly if a reading is above 180/120 mm Hg.

    Sit quietly, make sure the cuff is positioned correctly, and repeat the measurement after at least one minute.

    If it remains that high but you have no concerning symptoms, seek same-day professional advice rather than changing medicine yourself.

    During pregnancy or soon after giving birth, seek urgent medical advice for high readings, severe headache, vision changes, pain under the ribs, vomiting, sudden swelling, or difficulty breathing.

    These symptoms can occur with pre-eclampsia and need prompt assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if several properly taken readings are above the normal range, even if you feel well.

    Also seek routine advice if your readings are becoming higher over time, you are having medication side effects, or you are struggling to take treatment consistently.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypertension. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.