Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a common condition in India. It can be very serious if it is not treated. As per a WHO (2023) report, 46% of adults are unaware that they have hypertension [1]. It is a type of ‘silent killer’ as individuals are usually not aware that something is wrong with their body due to the absence of major symptoms.

The major high BP symptom is the blood pressure being over 180/120 mm Hg. This means there is a hypertensive crisis and you should call an ambulance in such a case. Read on to understand hypertension signs, reasons for high BP, and how to handle an emergency during a hypertensive crisis.

Call MedCab emergency ambulance services for a hypertensive crisis or other medical emergencies by dialling the emergency ambulance number at 18008-908-208.

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension or high BP refers to the force of blood pushing against the artery walls being very high on a consistent basis. The heart would have to work harder to pump blood in the body during high BP. Untreated hypertension can have serious repercussions, such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and eye damage.

To understand hypertension better, categorisations of BP are listed below -

• Normal BP - For BP to be considered normal, it should be under 120/80 mm Hg.
• Elevated BP - One would be considered to have elevated BP if the top number is between 120 to 129 mm Hg, while the bottom number is under 80 mm Hg.
• Stage 1 Hypertension – For stage 1 hypertension, the top number of the reading would be between 130 to 139 mm Hg, while the bottom number would show between 80 and 89 mm Hg.
• Stage 2 Hypertension – This is the most dangerous state of hypertension, and the top number is 140 mm Hg or more, and the lower number is 90 mm Hg or more.

While usually high BP does not have noticeable signs and needs to be measured using the arm cuff of a BP machine, potential signs can occur. Some hypertension signs may include headaches, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, numbness and nausea.

When noticing high BP symptoms or in case of a hypertensive crisis, it is important to call emergency medical help. MedCab offers fast ambulance services throughout India for such emergencies.

What are the Reasons for High Blood Pressure?

There are many risk factors that make one prone to having the signs of high BP. The reasons for high BP include –

• Genetic Predisposition – If you have had family members who showed signs of high BP, this will increase your likelihood of developing hypertension.
• Alcohol Consumption – Excessive alcohol can make one vulnerable to having high BP.
• Chronic Stress – Constant stress may cause high blood pressure as the body releases a lot of hormones when under stress. This can impact one’s heart causing high BP.
• Age – The risk of having hypertension can increase with age, particularly those who are more than 65 years old.
• Overweight – Being overweight can increase the risk of heart disease and also make one vulnerable to hypertension.
• Diet - Excessive intake of salt can increase the risk of hypertension as sodium causes the body to retain fluids. Low potassium levels can also cause one to develop symptoms of hypertension as potassium is important for balancing salt levels in the body.
• Medicines – Some medicines can make it challenging for the body to control the BP, such as antidepressants and hormonal birth control pills. These may lead to a rise in BP.

Some of these reasons and risks for high BP can be managed by making lifestyle changes. Use MedCab’s mobile app to book a full body check-up online. MedCab offers options for home sample pickup. The MedCab app also offers a range of other services, such as emergency ambulance booking.

What to do in case of High BP?

Home BP monitoring can be a good way to detect high BP symptoms. During a hypertensive crisis, call an emergency ambulance service using the toll-free government ambulance number 108.

Lifestyle changes can help in avoiding the risk of a hypertensive crisis. Some lifestyle changes include being in a healthy weight range, exercising regularly, a diet low on salt and high on potassium, and avoiding the intake of alcohol.

In case you notice any of the visible symptoms of hypertension, such as stroke or shortness of breath, it is advisable to immediately seek medical help. Call MedCab’s urgent ambulance services to be immediately taken to the hospital.

MedCab ambulances have high-tech equipment, such as ECG monitors, ventilators and defibrillators to provide any emergency treatments. MedCab ensures the patient safely reaches the hospital during a hypertensive crisis with its fast ambulance dispatch and trained paramedics.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a common condition and one may easily miss the signs and risk factors of hypertension. Regular health checkups and lifestyle changes are important for avoiding the risk of high BP.

Complications such as heart attacks and strokes make it important to be aware of risk factors for high BP and understand how to act in the case of a medical emergency of a hypertensive crisis. Dial MedCab’s emergency ambulance number to get a fast ambulance service in case of any medical emergency.

References

[1] WHO (2023). Hypertension. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension#

FAQs on High BP Emergencies

How Serious is Blood Pressure over 200?

Blood pressure over 200 is very serious and indicates a hypertensive crisis. The main symptom of high BP is a range over 180/120 mm Hg. This is a medical emergency and you should seek medical help in such a case.

What is the most common cause of hypertensive crisis?

A combination of lifestyle and genetic factors can make one prone to a hypertensive crisis. Book a full body checkup over the MedCab mobile app to avail home sample collection services and determine your risks for high BP.

What is the emergency treatment for high blood pressure?

Intravenous beta-blockers, such as esmolol, are given to reduce BP as a first line of treatment.

When is blood pressure high enough to go to a hospital?

If the BP reading is 180/120 mmHg or more, it is important to seek immediate medical help. This would be considered a medical emergency.

 Call 108 to avail the government ambulance services. You can also book a private and fast ambulance service using MedCab’s emergency ambulance number at 18008-908-208.

When to Call an Ambulance in case of high blood pressure?

Call an ambulance in case the BP is more than 180/120 mm Hg or upon noticing signs of high BP, such as stroke or shortness of breath. Use MedCab’s emergency ambulance number or online ambulance booking service to call an ambulance urgently at your location.