The blood pressure It is the force that blood exerts against the walls of the arteries. It is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and is expressed in two figures, for example, 120/80 mm Hg. The first number, the largest, indicates the pressure in the arteries when the heart contracts or beats (systolic pressure). The second number, the smallest, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats (diastolic pressure).
The Normal pressure is around 120/80 mm Hgalthough these values may vary depending on various factors, such as the person’s age or health status.
When a person has the Constantly high blood pressure is considered to have hypertensionsomething that is a risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases and other health problems. However, blood pressure can also rise occasionally without hypertension. In this situation, some people wonder, How to lower tension immediately? In this article we tell you how to achieve it when it is not a hypertensive crisis and also what to do in case of a hypertensive crisis.
In this video discover how to lower tension with breathing exercises:
Blood pressure rise: warning symptoms
One of the problems with high blood pressure is that often causes no symptoms. This is why hypertension is difficult to identify and, therefore, to remedy.
When there are symptoms of a power surge, the most common are:
- Headachewhich may be persistent or throbbing, and is especially noticeable on the back of the head.
- Chest pain or tightness.
- Dizziness or lightheadednessespecially when standing up quickly.
- Breathing difficultiesespecially when making physical effort.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Blurred vision or changes in vision (for example, difficulty focusing).
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy.
- Nosebleed.
When to go to the emergency room due to a blood pressure surge?
A sharp and sudden rise in blood pressure (what is known as hypertensive crisis) can have serious consequences such as heart attack or stroke or other life-threatening health problems.
You must go to the emergency room immediately If your voltage readings are above 180/120 mm Hg or experience severe symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, persistent vomiting, or any sudden neurological symptoms (severe, persistent headache, severe dizziness, confusion, changes in vision, numbness or weakness in the face, arms or legs, difficulty speaking or understanding what others are saying).
How to lower tension immediately?
Treatment of a hypertensive crisis It usually resolves in emergencies with medications orally. In the event that complications occur, if there could be acute kidney, brain, or cardiological damage, for example, it may involve administration of intravenous medications to progressively reduce blood pressure, usually in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Hence the importance that we alluded to before going to the emergency room immediately.
If you have high blood pressure but you are not facing a hypertensive crisis like the ones we mentioned previously, The main thing to reduce tension is to relax. Some useful measures are:
- The deep breaths can help: take a breath, hold your breath for a couple of seconds, and then exhale slowly. Repeat it a few times.
- take one shower or bath with warm water.
- Take a walk, read a book, listen to music…or any other activity that you find relaxing.
However, the best way to keep pressure under control in the long term and avoid hypertension is following a healthy lifestyle and making small changes to our daily habits, for example:
- Maintain a healthy weightsince overweight and obesity increase the risk of hypertension.
- Do physical exercise regularly.
- Follow a diet rich in fruits and vegetableswhole grains, nuts, seeds and healthy fats.
- Moderate consumption of salt, alcohol and caffeine. The effects of coffee in case of hypertension are very counterproductive.
- Reduce stress levels. Some very useful techniques for this are mindfulness or yoga.
- Sleep enough hours.
- No smoking.