Blood pressure above 180/120 mmHg with symptoms. A hypertensive emergency can cause stroke, heart attack, or kidney failure if not treated urgently.
Recognise the signs: severe headache at the back of the head, blurred or double vision, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion or difficulty thinking, nosebleed that will not stop.
Sit or lie the person down quietly. Rest significantly lowers blood pressure — do not leave them standing or agitated.
Measure blood pressure if a cuff is available. Above 180/120 with symptoms is a hypertensive emergency.
Loosen any tight clothing around the neck and chest.
Keep the person absolutely calm. Stress and anxiety directly raise blood pressure further.
If the person is on prescribed blood pressure medication and has missed doses, they may take their regular medication now — but do not give extra doses.
Do not give any over-the-counter medication to lower blood pressure unless specifically prescribed for hypertensive crises.
Get the person to a hospital or clinic with blood pressure monitoring and medication as quickly as possible.
Monitor for neurological symptoms — confusion, weakness of one side, slurred speech. These indicate stroke and require emergency response.
Sudden severe headache with vision changes — possible hypertensive encephalopathy or stroke.
Weakness or numbness on one side of the face or body — stroke.
Slurred speech or sudden confusion.
Chest pain with high blood pressure — possible heart attack.
Shortness of breath with high blood pressure — possible heart failure.
Hypertension in pregnancy with headache and swelling — eclampsia.
Nosebleed that will not stop with standard first aid.
Do not give nifedipine capsules to bite and swallow — this outdated practice causes a dangerous rapid drop in blood pressure.
Do not try to lower blood pressure too quickly at home — a rapid drop is as dangerous as a high reading.
Do not give extra doses of blood pressure medication without medical guidance.
A person with consistently high blood pressure needs long-term daily medication — this is not optional.
✓ What Helps
· Continue prescribed blood pressure medication consistently every day — this is the most important action
· Monitor blood pressure regularly at a pharmacy or clinic
✗ What To Avoid
· Biting nifedipine capsules — causes dangerous rapid blood pressure drop
· Salt in any form — reduce dietary salt permanently
· Alcohol — raises blood pressure acutely
· Extra doses of any antihypertensive without medical advice
→ Ask The Pharmacist For
· Prescription antihypertensive medications — amlodipine, lisinopril, or hydrochlorothiazide are common first-line choices
· Regular blood pressure monitoring at a clinic
· Lifestyle counselling on diet, exercise, and salt reduction
🏥 Get Professional Help
Go to hospital immediately for blood pressure above 180/120 with symptoms, any neurological symptoms, chest pain, or significant shortness of breath. All people with high blood pressure need regular medical follow-up and consistent daily medication.