‘My blood pressure was 208/93 mmHg and I have had a headache since earlier this morning. Should I be concerned?’

Should this be treated as an emergency even if other symptoms are mild?

Yes, he affirmed. “Even if the headache is the only symptom, such a high reading should not be handled at home. Waiting for symptoms to get worse can increase the risk of serious complications that affect the brain, heart, kidneys, or eyes,” said Dr Sangoi.

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What should be done immediately in this situation?

The person should seek emergency medical care right away. “This sort of high blood pressure needs supervised treatment and monitoring. Adjusting medications on your own, lying down, or waiting it out is not safe,” said Dr Sangoi.

Stress, missed blood pressure medications, too much salt, dehydration, pain, lack of sleep, or hormone-related issues can all contribute. In some cases, hormone balance problems can cause sudden spikes that are hard to predict.

What to avoid doing?

Avoid exertion, driving yourself, caffeine, smoking, and panic. “Also, do not take extra doses of medication unless advised by a healthcare professional,” said Dr Sangoi.

What to do after treatment?

Dr Sangoi described that once stabilised, more tests are usually needed to understand why the spike happened. “Long-term control depends on regular monitoring, following medication plans, managing stress, getting enough sleep, and making dietary changes.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.