Severe high blood pressure is the condition in which the systolic pressure reading is greater than 180mmHg and the diastolic pressure reading is greater than 120mmHg. When the blood pressure of a person reaches this point, the body becomes more susceptible to internal damage. The increase in pressure can rupture the blood vessels, cause brain swelling and bring about kidney malfunction. This situation is called hypertensive emergency. In general, patients having hypertension usually experience symptoms like dizziness, blurry vision, headache and nausea. When these symptoms are felt, patients should be immediately brought to the hospital to prevent the development of other complications. In some cases, the patient does not feel or experience any of the aforementioned symptoms at elevated blood pressure levels. This situation is referred to as hypertensive urgency. When this happens, the high blood pressure is usually considered as an indication that the symptoms are about to be experienced by the patient if the blood pressure is not controlled immediately.
Between hypertensive emergency and hypertensive urgency the latter is easier to control. The goal of initial treatment is always to reduce the blood pressure. The duration of treatment typically ranges from a few hours to a few days. Severe cases naturally require more time to treat. Although treatment procedures are tailored to the specific needs of the patient some common steps employed are: transferring the patient into a room with a soothing environment; prescribing oral medicines to control the blood pressure increase; and finally, constant monitoring of the patient. It is important to note the rapid reduction of blood pressure can delay or cut the flow of blood to the brain. This occurrence leads to death and hence should be prevented. Hypertensive emergency situations call for more urgent professional attention due to the symptoms being experienced by the patient. Promptness in giving immediate attention is critical in this case.
Severe hypertension can be a deadly disease if neglected because it tends to attack the least suspecting patient. Although the exact cause of hypertension is yet to be established, medical experts have identified factors that may cause an individual to have hypertension. Among these are age, family background, and stress. Adults that have relatives who are hypertensive are more likely to have it in the future. The lifestyle of an individual is also a major consideration in predicting the probability of a person being hypertensive.
Patients who have already undergone the severe hypertension treatment are still susceptible to the disease if changes in lifestyle are not sustained. As soon as the patient is discharged, returning to old habits typically occur. Well, if a person is lucky, another trip to the hospital may restore him to normal state after a severe hypertension episode. In most cases, neglect results to death. It is therefore important for the patient to take the initiative to consult with his/her doctor for follow-up checkups. Medications should continuously be taken and of course, a healthier lifestyle should be voluntarily adapted by the patient.
Go to http://www.treating-hypertension.com to understand more about this condition and also to learn more about the severe high blood pressure.
