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High blood pressure at home: what to do
high blood pressure what to do · blood pressure spike · hypertensive crisis · blood pressure suddenly went up
A guide on how to measure your blood pressure correctly and what to do if it suddenly goes up.
For everyone who sometimes has high blood pressure, and their families.
⏱ Duration: measuring takes 5 to 10 minutes, getting better usually takes up to an hour
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Monitor. Keep a working blood pressure monitor at home. The cuff must fit the size of your arm.
- Plan. Ask your doctor what to take during a spike and at what numbers to call.
- Diary. Write down your blood pressure in the morning and evening.
What to bring
- A blood pressure monitor
- A blood pressure diary
- The medicines your doctor prescribed
How it goes
- Sit down, lean back, feet on the floor, and rest for 5 minutes
- Put the cuff on your bare arm at heart level
- Do not talk while measuring
- Measure again after 1 to 2 minutes
- If the pressure is high, take the medicine your doctor prescribed for this
- Do not take several pills at once - lowering pressure too fast is dangerous
- After 30 to 60 minutes, measure again and write it down
What you'll feel
- You may have a headache, ringing in the ears or spots before your eyes
- Worry raises blood pressure - try to breathe calmly
Afterwards
- Show your blood pressure diary to your doctor
- Do not skip your regular medicines
- Less salt and more movement - as your doctor advises
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Chest pain or shortness of breath - call your local emergency number
- Weakness or numbness in an arm, leg or half of the face, or trouble speaking - call your local emergency number
- A very severe headache, loss of vision or confusion - call your local emergency number
- Very high numbers, for example above 180/110, that do not come down - call your doctor or your local emergency number
Common questions
Can I take my neighbor's pill?
No. Take only what your own doctor prescribed.
Why is my blood pressure different in the two arms?
A small difference is common. Measure on the arm where it is higher, and tell your doctor if the difference is large.