Systolic blood pressure readings at least 140 or diastolic blood pressure readings at least 90 usually indicate STAGE 2 HYPERTENSION, which puts you at high risk for life-threatening problems such as heart attack and stroke. If you don't have these symptoms but your blood pressure remains high, doctors call this "hypertensive urgency." It's important to seek medical attention for hypertensive urgency, so that doctors can help bring your blood pressure down over a period of hours to days. If you notice any of these symptoms along with a blood pressure above 180/110, your high blood pressure is considered a hypertensive emergency call 911.ĭuring a hypertensive emergency, a medical team will work to bring your blood pressure down quickly. Very high blood pressure can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea and vomiting, mental confusion, vision changes, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Readings above 180 systolic pressure (the upper number) or above 110 diastolic pressure (the lower number) usually indicate a hypertensive crisis - putting you in the highest risk category for heart attack, stroke, and other acute life-threatening problems - and requiring emergency care. Hypertensive Crisis (Emergency Care Needed)
Understanding Your Blood Pressure ReadingĬlick on the link below that represents your blood pressure reading to understand how your blood pressure may affect your health. The information below is designed to help you understand what your latest blood pressure readings may mean for your health - and to provide tips on what you can do to get or keep your blood pressure in a healthy zone. Blood pressure readings can be conducted in the home with a standard “cuff” or an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) device, or at the doctor’s office and even most pharmacies. But, when left untreated, hypertension can be a significant risk factor for stroke, cardiac arrest, and other health conditions.īecause so many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms, the best way to manage your blood pressure is by reading it regularly. Many people with high blood pressure do not experience any symptoms and may be unaware of their hypertension, allowing it to remain untreated. According to the American Heart Association, nearly half of all American adults have high blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension.