Signs & Symptoms of Extremely High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, has become a very common problem for millions of people. There are several causes for this condition. Some causes are genetic, some are related to other illnesses affecting a person's body. In cases where high blood pressure is not considered to be at dangerous levels, regular medication regimens are prescribed as well as changes in diet and exercise routines.

What is High Blood Pressure?

• Blood pressure is measured by calculating the rate of pressure when blood is pumped through the body (systolic) and when the heart rests between pumping (diastolic). The normal blood pressure for a healthy adult is considered to be 120 over 80. There are times when a healthy adult will have rates higher than this, such as after physical exertion or emotional trauma. Once blood pressure rates are measured at 140/90 at least two times during routine check-ups, high blood pressure is indicated. High blood pressure can be controlled and is usually not considered to be extreme in most cases.

Signs

• Blood pressure is not considered to be extreme until it reaches sustained rates of around 200/120. The symptoms of extremely high blood pressure may occur separately and be considered unrelated to any serious condition. Yet any sign of extremely high blood pressure can be an indication of a serious problem. Signs of extremely high blood pressure can include vision problems, fatigue, severe headaches, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, difficulty breathing, blood in the urine, and a pounding sensation in the ears, chest, or neck.

Effects

• The results of extremely high blood pressure crisis, or hypertensive emergency, can be confusion or coma, stroke, chest pain, bleeding in the lungs, heart attacks or heart failure, or an aneurysm. Other organs can be damaged as well, including the kidneys and the liver. In cases of hypertensive emergency, the patient will be placed in intensive care and their blood pressure and other vital signs will be monitored around the clock to look for signs of organ and tissue damage.

Treatment

• Depending on the particular function or organ of the body that has been affected by extremely high blood pressure, there will be several recommendations for treatment and ongoing care of the condition. A medication regimen will be prescribed, and other dietary and lifestyle changes may be recommended as well. Further examinations, diagnoses, and treatment plans will be necessary when damage to the kidneys, the liver, the arteries, or even the eyes has occurred as a result of a hypertensive emergency. Diabetes can also occur as a result of extremely high blood pressure, and separate recommendations will be made to treat this condition.

Conclusions

• Doctors recommend regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and other body functions. In cases where high blood pressure is indicated, medication will be prescribed and changes in lifestyle may also be recommended. For cases where extremely high blood pressure has been indicated, immediate action is taken to regain acceptable blood pressure rates, which can include immediate hospitalization.