A hypertensive crisis develops when a person’s blood pressure rises to a drastically high level, which can result in damage to blood vessels and vital organs. The blood pressure value is around 180/120 mmHg or even higher. This condition is a medical emergency and can lead to a heart attack, stroke, or other fatal health disorders.
During a hypertensive crisis, the heart may not be able to pump blood well, it is grouped into two categories.
Urgent hypertensive crisis: The blood pressure rises to 180/120 mm Hg or higher and it can result in life-threatening damage to the vital body’s organs.
Emergency hypertensive crisis: The blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or higher and can damage the body's major organs.
Read this article to learn about the causes and available treatment options.
Causes of Hypertensive Crisis
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some of the medical conditions and lifestyle factors that may elevate the chance of hypertension include:
- Being overweight or obesity
- Eating an unhealthy diet laden with salt and fat
- Being physically inactive
- SmokingHistory of cardiovascular diseases
- Comorbid health problems like diabetes or kidney disease
Other Factors That Are Related To Hypertensive Crisis:
- Missing or not taking prescribed hypertensive medications
- Having certain medicines that may interfere with the blood pressure drugs
- Taking illegal drugs like cocaine or amphetamines
- Suffering from organ failure like heart or kidney failure
Also Read: Hypertension Nutrition: Common FAQ’s Answered About DASH Diet
Symptoms
Usually, a few people may experience hypertensive crisis symptoms, while others may not show any signs.
People who monitor their blood pressure if they observe a reading of 180/120 mm hg or higher and if they do not show any symptoms, then AHA recommends waiting for 5 minutes and taking another reading. If the reading is still high, then the person should consult their physician for further medical guidance.
If a person’s blood pressure is high and is also experiencing one or more of the following symptoms, then seek emergency medical help:
- Intense headache or migraine
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Nosebleed
- Fits
Diagnosis
Your physician will check several blood pressure readings and ask you about the symptoms and medical history. He will also ask about any medications or supplements you are taking and whether you have used any recreational drugs.
If your physician suspects that there is a high risk of organ damage due to a hypertensive crisis, then he may suggest further evaluation and tests which include:
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- Eye examination
- Echocardiogram
- An ultrasound of the heart, kidneys
- A chest X-ray of the heart and lungs
- A CT or MRI scan of the brain
Treatment
The primary treatment mode for hypertensive crisis will usually be intravenous antihypertensive drugs to lower the person’s blood pressure. Also, your doctor aims to lower blood pressure by not more than 25% in the first hour, as a sudden decrease in blood pressure reading can result in other medical issues. As the blood pressure stabilizes, the physician will typically change to oral antihypertensive drugs.
The medications given to control blood pressure may vary according to various factors, including:
- Whether or not the person is pregnant
- Suffering from other underlying conditions
- If or not hypertensive crisis developed due to the use of illegal drugs
Prevention
One of the essential things a hypertensive patient should do to avert the risk of hypertensive crisis is to have their blood pressure drugs as prescribed by the physician. Several studies revealed that people who missed their blood pressure medication were more likely to be hospitalized for heart-related issues.
Some of the lifestyle changes that may help people control blood pressure and mitigate the risk of hypertensive crisis include:
Eat A Wholesome Diet
A diet packed with fruits, and veggies is low in fat and salt and high in fibre can help control blood pressure. Reducing salt intake can directly lower blood pressure. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) is a highly recommended eating plan for people wanting to lower their blood pressure. DASH diet is a calorie-controlled, heart-healthy eating practice that does not require any special foods.
Also Read: Some effective home remedies to tackle Hypertension
Limit Alcohol
Restricting alcohol intake to the recommended levels will help reduce blood pressure and improve overall health.
Staying Active
Being physically active and getting regular exercise around 150 minutes of moderate intense activity each week can help keep the heart and circulatory system function healthy. Further walking or any exercise can also help people to shed surplus weight, thereby lowering high blood pressure.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can narrow the blood vessels and increase a person’s blood pressure. It also elevates the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke. Thus, it is vital to avoid smoking to manage blood pressure and optimise overall health.
Get Sound Sleep
A night of good sleep is essential to maintain overall physical and mental well-being. Sound sleep is more important for the heart and circulatory system, as blood pressure drops during sleep.
