Hypertensive Urgency Guidelines

If you have untreated high blood pressure, you run the risk of developing a serious condition known as hypertensive urgency. A hypertensive urgency occurs when your blood pressure is near or above 180 over 120. It greatly increases your risk for developing a heart attack or having a stroke.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, in addition to having an extremely high blood pressure, the symptoms of a hypertensive urgency include severe headache, extreme anxiety and shortness of breath. A hypertensive urgency also causes tearing in the veins and arteries, leading to blood loss and potential heart complications.

Treatment

• A hypertensive urgency must be treated with professional medical intervention. According to the Mayo Clinic, once admitted to a hospital, those experiencing a hypertensive emergency will undergo a series of exams to verify their blood pressure. Blood pressure-lowering medication will be given either orally or intravenously, in addition to any other treatments needed depending on an individual's medical history.

Prevention

• While those with high blood pressure run a significant risk of having a hypertensive urgency, taking prescription medication for high blood pressure, exercising regularly, not smoking and eating diet low in fat, salts and cholesterol can reduce the risk of a hypertensive urgency.